9 Robotic Inventions That Are Already Among Us

1. 1. Giant robot debuts in Japan

   A Japanese inventor created a giant, Mech-like robot controlled from within. The machine, called Kuratas, stands 13 feet tall and is capable of speeds of up to 6 mph. (via Reuters)

2. 2. Students Build Award-Winning Robot Exoskeleton

   The Titan Arm is a robotic upper-body exoskeleton that could be applied to rehabilitation and extra lifting power.

3. 3. Japanese robot suit offers hope for nuclear work

   Brain-wave controlled robot suits that allow wearers to don heavy radiation protection without feeling the weight are unveiled in Japan.

4. 4. Robot Exoskeleton: Power Loader

   Here's a robotic exoskeleton that helps its users lift incredible weight.

5. 5. Lockheed's Bionic Exoskeleton a Super-Human Reality

   Check out Lockheed Martin's new bionic suit that could make you larger than life. (via Bloomberg)

6. 6. Agent Phil Coulson Meets XOS 2

   Clark Gregg, the actor known for his recurring role in the Iron Man movies, was on hand to witness the unveiling of the XOS 2 robotic suit at the Raytheon Sarcos research facility in Salt Lake City

7. 7. Man Builds His Own Bionic Hands

   After losing his hands in a freak accident, a Chinese man built himself a new pair of hands that allow him to work, drive his motorcycle, eat and drink.

8. 8. Eythor Bender demos human exoskeletons

   Eythor Bender of Berkeley Bionics brings onstage two amazing exoskeletons, HULC and eLEGS -- robotic add-ons that could one day allow a human to carry 200 pounds without tiring, or allow a wheelchair user to stand and walk. (via TED)

9. 9. HRP-4 Humanoid Robot Walking Like A Real Human

   Watch this robot walk like a real human.

If you're planning to check out Pacific Rim, the summer blockbuster featuring giant robots fighting other-dimensional monsters, you might want to know that not all the robotic inventions you see in that movie are science fiction.

Sure, humans may be a long way from building gigantic mechs like the Jaegers in Pacific Rim, which are piloted by two people linked telepathically. But inventors are creating astonishing devices that can aid humans by supplementing our own bodies or help us in our work.

SEE ALSO: ASIMO Embarrasses Himself, Not Ready to Lead Robot Rebellion Just Yet

YouTube put together some videos to honor our real-life robotic helpers. Check out the gallery above and be amazed at how far we've come.

Got a favorite real-life robot? Share it with us in the comments.

Image via Jens Schlueter/Getty Images News