US military invests millions to develop battery-powered exoskeletons for ‘super soldiers’
- Exoskeletons would allow soldiers to arrive fresh on a battlefield despite the heavy burdens of modern warfare, Pentagon strategists believe
- China and Russia are also believed to be developing exoskeleton technology
The US Army is investing millions of dollars in experimental exoskeleton technology to make soldiers stronger and more resilient, in what experts say is part of a broader push into advanced gear to equip a new generation of “super-soldiers.”
The technology is being developed by Lockheed Martin Corp with a license from Canada-based B-TEMIA, which first developed the exoskeletons to help people with mobility difficulties stemming from medical ailments like multiple sclerosis and severe osteoarthritis.
Worn over a pair of pants, the battery-operated exoskeleton uses a suite of sensors, artificial intelligence and other technology to aid natural movements.
For the US military, the appeal of such technology is clear. Soldiers now deploy into war zones bogged down by heavy but critical gear like body armour, night-vision goggles and advanced radios. Altogether, that can weigh anywhere from 40-64kg (90 to 140 pounds), when the recommended limit is just 23kg (50 pounds).
“That means when people do show up to the fight, they’re fatigued,” said Paul Scharre at the Centre for a New American Security, who helped lead a series of studies on exoskeletons and other advanced gear.
“The fundamental challenge we’re facing with infantry troops is they’re carrying too much weight.”
