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Navy Tests Unpowered Exoskeleton

Posted by timothy on from the not-for-body-surfing dept.

gurps_npc (621217) writes "CNN has a very interesting article about an unpowered exoskeleton system called Fortis. Unlike the more famous TALOS system, this exoskeleton uses zero electricity, so it does not need batteries or an extension cord. Power requirements have always been the problem with powered exoskeletons, as batteries are heavy. The system is made out of lightweight aluminum and heavy tools connect directly to it. The weight of the tools is supported by the exoskeleton, so your arms, back and legs don't have to carry it. You only need to use muscle to move the tool, not simply carry it. The exoskeleton does not make you stronger. Instead it effectively increases your stamina by relieving fatigue caused by carrying the heavy tool.

4 of 79 comments (clear)

  1. Looks familiar... by MaWeiTao · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Conceptually, it seems similar to the kinds of rigs the movie industry uses to support cameras. I'm a bit surprised they haven't done this sooner considering I don't see anything here that's particularly exotic.

  2. Steadicam by camperdave · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It's a glorified Steadicam mount. Like the 'smart guns' carried by Vasquez and Drake in the movie Aliens. A spring loaded linkage connects the load to a body harness, but with added linkages that can transfer the weight of the harness to the ground.

    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
    1. Re:Steadicam by gurps_npc · · Score: 5, Insightful
      True. But the majority of inventions are modified versions of existing things with improvements.

      The value of slight changes can be VERY significant.

      Think of the first guy to ever rifle a long gun. Long guns had grooves before, they were just not consistent. Making those grooves consistent and using ammo that expanded just enough to catch them made a HUGE difference.

      The linkage to transfer the weight to the ground is just such a huge improvement. They had to design it special so that it bore the weight, but still let your heels touch the ground.

      --
      excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
  3. Re:Snipers love it by jeffmeden · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This is meant to be used inside bases. How many Americans have been killed by snipers while inside their bases recently?

    Even more specifically, it seems ideal for someone working in/on the hull of a Navy ship where heavy welding, cutting/grinding, and riveting equipment is common. They tend not to build navy ships in conflict areas, and it seems like a very impractical device for combat zone use unless the weight it was intended for was body armor, making the sniper point moot yet again.