No, it's not a bad science fiction movie nightmare; Cyberdyne and HAL are working together in real life to help paralyzed humans

One popular series at DailyTech took an exclusive look at building a real-life Iron Man and the technologies needed to deliver both exoskeleton enhanced strength, speed, and flight.  One conclusion of that series is that while impressive, modern exoskeleton technologies will need to advance greatly, before a superhero-like suit can be created.

Now new advances from Japan bring us a bit closer to that goal.  Cyberdyne, a company just outside of Tokyo, has developed and is marketing a new exoskeleton which brings a lot to the table.  The new device can help elderly and the disabled walk again.  Even partially paralyzed people can walk with the new device.  The suit's design was led by Tsukuba University engineering professor Yoshiyuki Sankai.