Exoskeleton

A new exoskeleton has been designed specifically to aid soldiers and provide them with "super-strength". It was created by Lockheed Martin and is named Human universal Load Carrier, or HULC. The device allows soldiers to carry up to 200 pounds at 10 miles per hour. Doug Medcalf the business development manager at Lockheed Martin said "The soldier has the feeling of maybe an extra five to 10 pounds," Some of todays soldiers are carrying close to 130 pounds into combat. The titanium HULC runs on 4 lithium ion batteries which are located near the small of the soldiers back. The HULC can withstand 96 hour missions on just eight batteries. The HULC arrives folded up in a small package and all the soldier has to do is stretch the leg out and step in the foot bed and strap it around his boot, thigh, waist, and shoulders. The foot pads are what make the device so effective because the HULC rests against the ground and not the soldiers body. The is also a sensor in the foot pads which sends information about the persons walk speed and style to an on board computer which moves the hydraulic system. The system allows the soldier to be very mobile but if under fire the device can be removed in about 30 seconds. The HULC helps on the battle field by allowing soldiers to carry those who may be wounded. The HULC comes at a critical time for the u.s. because at this time there are over 20,000 soldiers who are classified as "non-deployable" because they were either injured in action or for the other half they have physical problems such as the inability to haul heavy loads. Also according to www.berkeleybionics.com the HULC also improves the oxygen intake of the soldier. In a test scientists found that using the device soldiers improved oxygen intake 5-12%, which is very important when you think about the long duration of missions and the dangers of dehydration and fatigue. I think the design is going to be very useful in the military. Soldiers have to endure heavy loads and equipment, with the HULC the soldiers will not become easily fatigued and tired. We may begin to see the HULC's uses in everyday life. I can see this product being used in the moving industry and even sold publicly to people for moving or possibly carrying equipment when hiking or camping. Overall I think the HULC will be a success in the military and has a very good chance of becoming mainstream one day.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30071151/

http://www.berkeleybionics.com/unrestricted/HULC.html