US Army Testing Exoskeletons For Combat Use

US Army Testing Exoskeletons For Combat Use

Exoskeleton

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The United States Army has been looking at commercial companies developing exoskeleton technologies for the potential use of combat soldiers in the battlefield. The use of exoskeletons on the battlefield can be revolutionary, with the potential to change modern warfare forever.

There is a very large amount of potential exoskeleton applications, from logistics management to military applications, emergency services and even physiotherapy. In the military field, exoskeletons can greatly improve the capabilities of the common warfighter, allowing them to carry heavier objects for longer distances, run faster, and reduce fatigue.

Army-technology.com reports that the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC/Soldier Center) has looked into high tech exoskeleton designs that can be used for military applications. The Soldier Center has initiated a 4 year long other transactions agreement in an attempt to have enough exoskeleton systems to be able to conduct a comprehensive operational evaluation.

Before the Army can fully invest in exoskeleton systems, the army has to make sure that they systems are feasible and capable to withstand military operations.

A few exoskeleton prototypes being looked at by the Soldier Center include:

Lockheed Martin’s Onyx

Recipient of a Popular Science award in 2018, the Onyx is a lower-body exoskeleton suit that is capable of improving physical performance. The Onyx can help soldiers reduce fatigue as well as decrease the chance of injury when dealing with physically demanding tasks.

The system is equipped with multiple sensors and artificial intelligence software alongside a mechanical knee actuator. The combined components greatly improve the operator’s strength and endurance.

The Soldier Center looks favorably at the Onyx, especially considering that the Onyx has already managed to perform well during initial testing, however the system still needs to go through more rigorous testing before getting anywhere near the battlefield.

Dephy’s Exo-Boot

Dephy’s Exo Boot is another awardee for the Army’s exoskeleton program. The Exo-Boot is not a full body concept, instead it provides support only for the foot and ankle. The ideal exoskeleton the Army is looking for is capable of full body support, however the Exo-Boot is already in a mature stage in its development and would be much easier to integrate into military units than a full body suit.

The system uses FlexSEA (Flexible, Scalable Electronics Architecture) technology, which speeds up and simplifies the electronics used with the wearable robotic design. The system assists with motion control, as well as includes tools for data gathering, providing the infrastructure for multi-axis exoskeletons.

Several other exoskeleton designs offered by defense firms that the Soldier Center isn’t currently invested in include:

XOS2

Developed by Raytheon/Sarcos, the full body XOS2 utilizes high pressure hydraulics to greatly increase the users strength. The suit makes it possible for users to lift 200 pound objects for long periods of time, as well as punch and kick significantly stronger. The design also allows for agile movement, giving the user the ability to walk, run, and climb up and down stairs.

Hulc

Another Lockheed Martin design, the Human Universal Load Carrier can allow the user to carry up to 200 pounds effortlessly. The suit is easy to put on and take off and grants users movement speeds of up to 11 kilometers per hour, and 16 kilometers per hour in short bursts.