Human exoskeletons are being developed for front-line troops and factory workers. But the same technology could also help people walk again
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Footage courtesy of: Lockheed Martin / Revision Military / Getty Images / Parker
How can soldiers wear stronger body armor and still carry heavy loads without strain? Despite wearing a bulletproof jacket and helmet, 81% of a soldiers body remains unprotected.
Wearing a second, external skeleton, complete with artificial muscles may be a solution. Scientists are developing lighter protective suits for front-line troops.
American firm Revision Military has produced the kinetic operations suit, or "KOS"/ The firm says "KOS" triples armor protection. Parts of the system are made of injection-molded plastics and titanium-aluminum.
An artificial spine transfers most of the weight of the suits helmet to armor on the soldiers shoulders. All the reduced strain on the soldier's neck and lower back. This type of technology is also entering the workplace.
Lockhead Martin has designed FORTIS, a 17.5kg unpowered exoskeleton. When in use, the tool itself seems weightless. Human exoskeleton technology is also being used to help people with spinal injuries. The Indego system by American firm Parker has sensors that read the inclinations and angles of the limbs. The wearer controls the device by leaning forwards or backwards.
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Footage courtesy of: Lockheed Martin / Revision Military / Getty Images / Parker
How can soldiers wear stronger body armor and still carry heavy loads without strain? Despite wearing a bulletproof jacket and helmet, 81% of a soldiers body remains unprotected.
Wearing a second, external skeleton, complete with artificial muscles may be a solution. Scientists are developing lighter protective suits for front-line troops.
American firm Revision Military has produced the kinetic operations suit, or "KOS"/ The firm says "KOS" triples armor protection. Parts of the system are made of injection-molded plastics and titanium-aluminum.
An artificial spine transfers most of the weight of the suits helmet to armor on the soldiers shoulders. All the reduced strain on the soldier's neck and lower back. This type of technology is also entering the workplace.
Lockhead Martin has designed FORTIS, a 17.5kg unpowered exoskeleton. When in use, the tool itself seems weightless. Human exoskeleton technology is also being used to help people with spinal injuries. The Indego system by American firm Parker has sensors that read the inclinations and angles of the limbs. The wearer controls the device by leaning forwards or backwards.
Daily Watch: mind-stretching short films throughout the working week.
For more from Economist Films visit: http://econ.st/2F6DWQL
Check out The Economist’s full video catalogue: http://econ.st/20IehQk
Like The Economist on Facebook: http://econ.st/2F7ejiJ
Follow The Economist on Twitter: http://econ.st/2F6SsIo
Follow us on Instagram: http://econ.st/2F9Xsfc
Follow us on Medium: http://econ.st/2F9NWck
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