Lockheed To Develop Exoskeleton For US Army

Lockheed Martin Corporation has been awarded $1.1 million to develop, test and evaluate a robotic battlefield uniform for the US Army.

Using mechanical hydraulics, computer electronics and other systems, the battery-powered "exoskeleton" is designed to help Soldiers carry potentially hundreds of pounds of weapons, equipment and other gear in combat as if it were just a fraction of its actual weight.

In addition to added strength, the system could also reduce the fatigue of the battlefield and increase a Soldier's survivability, Army officials said.

They hope the system could eventually aid Soldiers in the mountains of Afghanistan and other tough terrain, though it is unclear when it will be ready to deploy. A series of technical and performance field tests are scheduled as part of the program.

"The tests performed on Lockheed Martin's system will help us assess the current state of the technology," said David Audet, spokesman for the Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center. "Exoskeletons have the potential to reduce stress on the body from heavy loads."

Lockheed officials said its work on the wearable robotics is a long-term project that has been under way for nearly a decade.

"We recognize the importance of perfecting the exoskeleton technology to redefine what is possible for our Soldiers," Rich Russell, Lockheed Missiles' advanced programs director, said in a written statement.

By: Shelldrake