the technologies behind it are being developed at okayama university. the translucent tubes on the calf are artificial muscles. they expand and contract, just like real muscles. this factory is now cooperating in the development of artificial muscles. it has about 30 employees. this man runs the factory. workers at the factory make braided cord such as shoelaces, by twining several fibers together. they make a variety of other products, including straps, cords, and ropes for handicrafts. the artificial muscles they've developed consist of special fiber that's braided over a silicone tube. he says the company's braiding know-how was essential in developing the technologies. >> translator: the cord is pliable. it expands after it contracts. so when air is put into the silicone tube inside this, the cord contracts. when air is removed, it expands. because those moves are similar to that of muscles, the technology can be used for artificial muscles. >> reporter: seita's team and researchers from okayama university came upon a big opportunity two years ago.