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Human Exoskeletons Getting Closer

Posted by kdawson on from the forever-war dept.

ColdWetDog writes "It's not Sigourney Weaver tossing aliens about, but The Register has an interesting blurb about a real human-capable exoskeleton that looks pretty cool (Lockheed-Martin press release). Runs for three hours at 3 mph on internal batteries; max speed is 7 mph. Of course, no price is listed but I suppose if you have to ask you can't afford it. Team this up with a Big Dog and you've got the ultimate high-tech cross-country team. Bring your own batteries. Or just wait for your jetpack to arrive."

4 of 198 comments (clear)

  1. Speed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    Max speed is 10 not 7.

  2. Looks like there has finally been progress. by Jane+Q.+Public · · Score: 4, Informative

    Companies have been making exoskeletons ever since the "Hardiman" of the 1960s. While more modern versions have actually bordered on the practical (see the suit worn by Ripley in the movie Aliens... that is a real machine), they have always had to drag a power tether in order to do anything useful. Of course they did not show that part in the movie.

    The decision to do away with arms, for now, was probably a good one. One can still carry heavy loads, which is the main point.

    1. Re:Looks like there has finally been progress. by timmarhy · · Score: 5, Informative

      i have to agree. it's the knee's that give out first on an old solider. carrying 40kg's of gear isn't good for you at all, and i'm betting this kind of thing will be targeted at hilly terrian such as afganistan. i wonder how weird this would feel to walk with?

      --
      If you mod me down, I will become more powerful than you can imagine....
  3. Honda Walking Assist by jeti · · Score: 4, Informative

    The Honda Walking Assist device has a rather unique and elegant design:
    http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2191712/honda_walking_assist/