The new power gloves could actually be mass produced and could help workers who find they are falling asleep while on the job.
The glove has been developed through collaboration between NASA and General Motors. Described as a weight lifting humanoid, it was originally created to carry out heavy duty work alongside astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).
The robotic arm was demonstrated by Dr Ron Diftler, project leader for the product, and was able to pick up an envelope as well as lift dumbbells in a human-like fashion.
Called the Robonaut (R2), the gloves' fingertip sensors and reinforced tendons are being amalgamated into wearable technology by GM.
An announcement by the manufacturer that the Swedish firm Bioservo has been brought on board to contribute its patented 'grip-strengthening' technology suggests the product is one step closer to realization.
According to General Motors, the Nordic medical technology company will add in a device called Soft Extra Muscle (SEM) that will help to increase hand strength of the glove. This technology has previously been used by stroke victims.
"Bioservo will initially develop a new grasp assist device for industrial use that could increase human operator efficiency while reducing fatigue in hand muscles. Research shows fatigue can occur within a few minutes of continuously gripping a tool," GM said in a statement.
Bioservo CEO Tomas Ward said the new partnership could herald the use of the technology on an industrial scale.
General Motors plans to test the refined RoboGlove at some of its plants, meaning factory workers could soon resemble a character out of an Iron Man film.
A date for release of the product has yet to be confirmed.
