This Army unit will be first to test an exoskeleton that lightens combat load
This Army unit will be first to test an exoskeleton that lightens combat load
By: Todd South 2 days ago
Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division will be the first to test the long-awaited exoskeleton that developers say can reduce injuries, carrying loads and help troops move around the battlefield with ease.
The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center partnered with the division in February to identify, evaluate and transition exoskeleton technology to the Army.
NSRDEC has led exoskeleton efforts for the Army for a number of years. One of the more advanced products that will soon hit the division is made by Lockheed Martin. ... Army Times spoke recently with company officials about the ONYX device, which will go through phases of testing, beginning as early as this fall.
The first phase will include a six-month development effort in which researchers work on quality of life portions of making the knee- and hip-focused device fit comfortably and correctly to the soldiers body, said Keith Maxwell, senior program engineer for the companys exoskeleton technologies.
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About Todd South
Todd South is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War. He has written about crime, courts, government and military issues for multiple publications for more than a decade. In 2014, he was named a Pulitzer finalist for local reporting on a project he co-wrote about witness problems in gang criminal cases. Todd covers ground combat for Military Times.
Exoskeleton Technologies: Military
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Exoskeleton technologies can bring new capabilities to fighting forces and improve endurance and safety in industrial settings. Lockheed Martin continues refinement of next-generation industrial products with our primary focus on powered exoskeletons. Lockheed Martins new powered lower-body exoskeleton, ONYX, has demonstrated its ability to increase mobility and reduce fatigue of its users. By reducing the effort in walking and climbing, this technology can literally help soldiers and first responders go the extra mile while carrying mission-essential equipment.