Human power amplifier for vertical maneuvers

A human power amplifier system comprising:

• an end-effector comprising a human interface subsystem for interfacing with an operator and a load interface subsystem for interfacing with a load, said human interface subsystem comprising a force sensor for measuring a human force imposed on said end-effector;
• an actuator for providing power to lift said end-effector;
• and
• a controller, said controller being coupled to said force sensor so as to receive an output signal generated by said force sensor and being coupled to said actuator so as to provide an input signal to said actuator, a magnitude of said output signal from said force sensor varying gradually as a function of said magnitude of said human force.

A method of lifting a load comprising the steps of:

• providing an actuator for providing an actuator force for lifting said load;
• providing an end-effector for providing an interface between a human operator and said load;
• causing said end-effector to engage said load;
• detecting a magnitude of a human force imposed by said operator on said end-effector as said operator lifts said end-effector, said magnitude of said human force varying gradually as said operator lifts said end-effector;
• using said magnitude of said human force to regulate said actuator;
• and
• causing said actuator to lift said load.