With the combined efforts of the Wearable Robotics Association and the Exoskeleton Report, we continue our overview of exoskeleton applications. In episode 4 of our ongoing podcast series, we follow up our introduction to occupational and industrial wearables with that of military exoskeletons.
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Military Applications of Exoskeleton Technology: Highlights from Episode 4 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast
00:00 Introduction
04:04 Energy Harvesting
12:12 Vibration Reducing
16:28 Gravity Compensating Exoskeletons
29:00 Lateral Mobility Exoskeletons
36:16 Neck and Other Military Exoskeleton Applications, Conclusion and Contact Information
Podcast Release Plan: the goal is to start with a simplified overview of the exoskeleton industry:
Episode 1: What is an exoskeleton? (15 min)
Episode 2: Types of Exoskeletons (37 min)
Episode 3: Applications of Occupation/Industrial exos (40 min)
You are here –> Episode 4: Applications of Military Exoskeletons (47 min)
Episode 5: Applications of Consumer/Recreational exos (recorded)
Episode 6: Applications of Medical Exoskeletons and relevant physical therapy and assistive robotics (recorded)
Episode 7: Challenges to mass adoption of exo technology (working title, not recorded as of yet)
Episode 8: Organizations that are working to further the adoption of exo technology (working title, not yet recorded)
Summary of Episode 4 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast (generated by ChatGPT):
In episode four of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast, hosts Bobby and Professor Tom Sugar from the Wearable Robotics Association continue exploring exoskeleton technology, focusing on its military applications. Following their discussion of industrial and logistics exoskeletons in the last episode, they delve into how exoskeletons can support soldiers in combat, logistics, and other military roles.
The episode begins with a look at exoskeletons designed to reduce the physical burden on soldiers, especially in load-carrying. Tom shares his experience working on military exoskeleton projects aimed at reducing musculoskeletal strain by redistributing the weight of heavy backpacks and gear. Soldiers often carry up to 120 pounds of equipment, and exoskeletons that provide load redistribution—transferring the weight from the shoulders to the ground or hips—have been developed to alleviate some of this burden. These devices attempt to prevent long-term injuries and improve soldiers’ endurance during extended missions.
Next, the hosts explore the innovative concept of energy-harvesting exoskeletons, which capture kinetic energy generated by soldiers’ movements and convert it into power. These devices are designed to recharge essential equipment such as radios, GPS units, and night vision goggles while soldiers are on the move. Bobby and Tom discuss how energy can be harvested at the ankles or knees, mainly when walking downhill or during repetitive movements. While energy-harvesting exoskeletons hold promise, the hosts point out the practical challenges, such as the amount of walking required to charge devices and the added weight of the system, which can counterbalance the benefits.
As they move through the various military applications of exoskeletons, Bobby and Tom turn their attention to shock-absorbing exoskeletons. These systems are designed to reduce vibrations experienced by soldiers in high-motion environments, such as riding in fast-moving vehicles or boats. The exoskeleton acts like a shock absorber, protecting the body from the adverse effects of sustained vibrations, particularly on the knees and spine. However, the hosts also address a potential drawback: improperly designed exoskeletons could transfer those vibrations to other body parts, causing discomfort or injury.
The conversation then shifts to logistics-focused exoskeletons. In addition to supporting soldiers in combat, many military exoskeletons are being developed to assist with non-combat tasks, such as loading and unloading equipment, pushing heavy crates, or handling supplies. The hosts discuss the overlap between military and industrial applications, noting that devices designed for lifting or pushing can reduce the strain on soldiers during daily operations. These exoskeletons help soldiers move large, heavy objects—like the 10,000-pound crates loaded onto cargo planes—and prevent injuries caused by repetitive lifting and pushing tasks.
Bobby and Tom emphasize that military exoskeletons aren’t limited to load-bearing or lifting tasks. They also discuss exoskeletons designed for lateral movement, providing assistance when soldiers need to move quickly from one location to another while carrying gear. These devices often target specific joints, such as the hips, knees, or ankles, to provide powered assistance for walking or running. The hosts explain that while ankle and hip-powered exoskeletons offer the most value on flat terrain, knee-powered systems are particularly beneficial when navigating inclines or uneven ground.
The hosts also touch on exoskeletons that support other parts of the body, such as the neck. These systems are designed to relieve the strain caused by wearing heavy helmets, night vision goggles, or communication devices, which can place significant pressure on the neck over time. By redistributing the weight to the shoulders or other body parts, these exoskeletons help reduce neck fatigue and potential long-term injuries, providing a solution for soldiers who need to wear heavy headgear during long missions.
Throughout the episode, Bobby and Tom explore the potential benefits and challenges of integrating exoskeleton technology into military operations. While these systems offer promising solutions to real-world problems, the hosts point out some common issues, such as the weight and comfort of the devices, the need for power sources, and the risk of interfering with natural movement. They also note that despite significant advancements, widespread adoption of military exoskeletons is still in the early stages.
Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion of how military exoskeletons could evolve in the future. Bobby and Tom highlight the ongoing research and development in areas such as powered and passive exoskeletons, with a focus on making these systems lighter, more integrated with soldiers’ gear, and easier to use in the field. They also mention that, while current military exoskeletons are primarily focused on logistics and load-bearing, there is potential for future devices to play a more prominent role in combat situations as technology advances.
As they wrap up, the hosts invite listeners to tune in for the next episode, which will explore medical and rehabilitation exoskeletons—another crucial area of development in wearable robotics (spoiler alert, the next episode will actually be on recreational and commercial exoskeletons). They also encourage feedback and questions from their audience, inviting anyone interested in participating or contributing to the podcast to reach out via their websites.
Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of any companies, organizations, or agencies we may be associated with.