MILITARY SOLDIER EXOSKELETON

Defense Exoskeleton for bionic supersoldier

We have posted several sample video links to peruse developments from Sarcos private Co. , BLEEX out of Univ. Berkley, and HAL Asia's Hydraulic Assisted Limbs . Humans are not the quickest creatures on Earth, studies are showing as technology progresses that American soldiers are becoming weaker and more obese. The battlefield demands on the warfighter are increasing and new technology not only enhances the mission but also increases the weight load. This is the challenge of the X-box generation. These weaknesses can be fatal on the battlefield, and that's why the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has invested $50 million dollars in developing an exoskeleton suit for ground troops. The wearable robotic system gives soldiers the ability to run faster, carry heavier weapons and leap over large obstacles.

Exoskeletons are wearable machines that give humans enhanced abilities. Imagine a battalion of super bionic soldiers lifting hundreds of pounds as easily as lifting 10 pounds and running twice their normal speed. The potential of non-military applications is also phenomenal. In 2000, DARPA requested proposals for human performance augmentation systems , and are signing contracts for emerging exoskeletons. These exoskeletal systems are expected to give soldiers amplified strength and speed, and will also have built-in computers to aid soldiers in navigating foreign territories. Issues still being ironed out are compact power sources, and human augmentation for movement.

Plans

What the exoskeleton program at DARPA plans to do is turn ordinary soldiers into super-troops who can leap tall objects and run at high speeds. This program is progressing through beta testing with promising results. DARPA has set specifications for exoskeletory machines. Here's what researchers are demanding from exoskeletonizing humans with machines:

•  Increased strength - Soldiers must be able to carry more weapons and supplies. With increased strength, exoskeletonsoldiers must also be able to remove large obstacles from their path while marching.

•  Increased speed - Average humans walk 4 to 6 mph, but special operations soldiers are often expected to carry up to 150 pounds of supplies in their backpacks. Most of today's troops cannot go fast enough carrying this much weight and armor on their backs when fighting with aloof fleet-footed enemies burdened only by AK-47s and RPGs. These units will need to advance until they can deliver speeds faster than 15-20 mph.

•  Jumping and Leaping Capabilities – Mechanical suited exoskeleton soldiers must be able to leap over obstacles such as vehicles and small buildings obstructing their mission.

Soldiers will benefit from increased endurance when marching long distances over unpredictable terrain. With increased strength, they will also be able to repair heavy equipment that would otherwise be impossible to repair. Experts expect fewer casualties because of increased body armor.

New For 2008!

These exoskeletal machines are being equipped with sensors and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Soldiers can use this technology to obtain information about the terrain they are crossing and how to navigate their way to specific locations. DARPA is also developing computerized sensing Nano fabrics that can be used with the exoskeletons to monitor heart and breathing rates.

The U.S. military will have throngs of super soldiers that jump higher, run faster and fight harder lifting enormous weights by strapping these exoskeletons to them.

History and Challenges

DARPA is not the first to build exoskeletal mechanical body suits. In the 1960s, General Electric and the U.S. military co-developed an exoskeleton, named Hardiman , that made lifting 250 pounds feel like lifting 10 pounds. GE developed this Hardiman hydraulic and electrical body suit with 60s antiquated technology. The problem with that suit is that it was too big and heavy (1,500 pounds) that it wasn't practical. Today, there are more advanced materials, such as carbon fiber and other mechanisms available that are used to build a more streamlined exoskeleton.

Areas still needing perfected include the structure, power, control, actuation and biomechanics. Each of these elements has its own set of opportunities. DARPA outlines:

•  Structure materials – Exoskeletons must have composite materials that are strong, lightweight and flexible. These materials must be capable of protecting the unit and its wearer from enemy fire.

•  Compact Lightweight Power source - The exoskeleton must have enough power to run for at least 24 hours before refueling. Power must also be generated by a pack that can be worn by a person. There are zero tolerance noise guidelines for the internal power source.

•  Controls - Controls for the machine must be seamless. Users are able to function normally and enhanced while wearing this device.

•  Actuators – Designs will give the machine the ability to move smoothly, to reduce awkwardness for the end user. Like the exoskeleton engine, actuators are quiet and efficient.

•  Biomechanicals – The exoskeleton must be able to sense user input and mimic human motion with hydraulic strength and lethal precision. Exoskeletons will shift from side to side and front to back, just as a soldier moves in battle. Military exoskeletons are some of the most sophisticated machinery being developed for warfare in the new age. Exoskeletons are able to sense human motion and react to it. They convert power from an energy sources into useable, actuation power to aid the warfighter.

The advancements in exoskeleton research are growing in leaps and bounds. The wartime expenditures of DARPA are encouraging private industry to join in and HAL, BLEEX, SARCOS, Toyota , and Honda are just the beginning in this exciting new frontier for modern warfare application. Rangeresqe will continue to monitor and explore these advancements and we invite our clients to continue to correspond and offer ideas and products for field phase beta testing. - Barron Worthington -

Sources

• Kevin Bonsar

Future Force Warrior Technology Program Office