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09-19-2007, 01:46 AM
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The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and other organizations have researched exoskeletons for combat for decades, but progress has been limited and the actual utility of such systems in combat is still debated (with no systems known to have reached more than prototype status).
In the early 2000s a number of companies and research centres developed the first practical models of human exoskeletons. One of the main uses is enabling a soldier to carry heavy weights (80–300 kg) while running or climbing stairs. Not only can a solider carry more weight, he can wield heavier armor and weapons. Most models use a hydraulic system controlled by an on-board computer. They can be powered by an internal combustion engine, batteries or, potentially, fuel cells. Another area of application is medical care, nursing in particular. Faced with the impending shortage of medical professionals and the increasing number of people in elderly care, several teams of Japanese engineers have developed exoskeletons designed to help nurses lift and carry patients.
In January 2007, Newsweek magazine reported that the Pentagon had granted development funds to University of Texas nanotechnologist Ray Baughman to develop military-grade artificial myomer fibers. These electrically-contractive fibers are intended to increase the strength-to-weight ratio of movement systems in military powered armor. [1]
Exoskeletons can also be applied in the area of rehabilitation of stroke or SCI patients. An exo-skeleton could reduce the number of therapists needed by allowing even the most impaired patient to be trained by one therapist, whereas now several are needed. Also training would be more uniform, easier to analyse retrospectively and can be specifically customized for each patient. At this time there are several projects designing training aids for rehabilitations centres (LOPES exoskeleton, LOKOMAT and the gait trainer).
[edit] Future speculation
As the technology becomes cheaper, and the problem of a reliable, portable power-source is solved, many expect exoskeletons to become widely used in the future by the military granting them higher mobility and speed, ability to travel longer distances, hazard protection, load-bearing abilities and the capacity to field larger or more numerous weapons/equipment and ammunition. Police would derive similar benefits; and civilians could use the suits in space travel and heavy work. It is possible that it may also find use in construction lifting as with cranes and fork-lifts but as it stands it's unlikely to be economical or practical compared to pre-existing, larger and relatively cheaply produced equipment. They may also benefit people who have been disabled by crippling diseases like ALS and multiple sclerosis, or simply general aging effects.[1]
However exoskeletons may have to compete for adoption with cyborgs - enhancing the human body itself with implants and prosthetics. Yet any advances in these fields may also help exoskeletal research, in that direct links to the nervous system may become possible. This would help integrating the mechanical parts with the body, thus creating more fluent movement and control.
The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and other organizations have researched exoskeletons for combat for decades, but progress has been limited and the actual utility of such systems in combat is still debated (with no systems known to have reached more than prototype status).
In the early 2000s a number of companies and research centres developed the first practical models of human exoskeletons. One of the main uses is enabling a soldier to carry heavy weights (80–300 kg) while running or climbing stairs. Not only can a solider carry more weight, he can wield heavier armor and weapons. Most models use a hydraulic system controlled by an on-board computer. They can be powered by an internal combustion engine, batteries or, potentially, fuel cells. Another area of application is medical care, nursing in particular. Faced with the impending shortage of medical professionals and the increasing number of people in elderly care, several teams of Japanese engineers have developed exoskeletons designed to help nurses lift and carry patients.
In January 2007, Newsweek magazine reported that the Pentagon had granted development funds to University of Texas nanotechnologist Ray Baughman to develop military-grade artificial myomer fibers. These electrically-contractive fibers are intended to increase the strength-to-weight ratio of movement systems in military powered armor. [1]
Exoskeletons can also be applied in the area of rehabilitation of stroke or SCI patients. An exo-skeleton could reduce the number of therapists needed by allowing even the most impaired patient to be trained by one therapist, whereas now several are needed. Also training would be more uniform, easier to analyse retrospectively and can be specifically customized for each patient. At this time there are several projects designing training aids for rehabilitations centres (LOPES exoskeleton, LOKOMAT and the gait trainer).
[edit] Future speculation
As the technology becomes cheaper, and the problem of a reliable, portable power-source is solved, many expect exoskeletons to become widely used in the future by the military granting them higher mobility and speed, ability to travel longer distances, hazard protection, load-bearing abilities and the capacity to field larger or more numerous weapons/equipment and ammunition. Police would derive similar benefits; and civilians could use the suits in space travel and heavy work. It is possible that it may also find use in construction lifting as with cranes and fork-lifts but as it stands it's unlikely to be economical or practical compared to pre-existing, larger and relatively cheaply produced equipment. They may also benefit people who have been disabled by crippling diseases like ALS and multiple sclerosis, or simply general aging effects.[1]
However exoskeletons may have to compete for adoption with cyborgs - enhancing the human body itself with implants and prosthetics. Yet any advances in these fields may also help exoskeletal research, in that direct links to the nervous system may become possible. This would help integrating the mechanical parts with the body, thus creating more fluent movement and control.