How Do Military Exoskeletons Enhance Soldier Performance?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kalrag
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Work
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality and application of military exoskeletons, exploring how they enhance soldier performance in tasks such as lifting, running, and jumping. Participants share insights on the technology behind these devices, their current capabilities, and theoretical advancements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the mechanics of military exoskeletons, asking whether they utilize hydraulic systems, motors, or other technologies.
  • One participant describes that hydraulic pistons and servo motors work in conjunction with the user's movements to enhance strength, though they express uncertainty about enhancements to running or jumping capabilities.
  • A participant provides a link to a Lockheed Martin exoskeleton (HULC), noting its limitations in improving running speed or jumping but stating it allows for heavier load carrying.
  • There are claims about the need for a power source for exoskeletons, with one participant mentioning a design for a self-sufficient reactor, which is met with skepticism regarding the feasibility of perpetual motion machines.
  • Some participants reference popular culture, specifically the Iron Man movies, in relation to the development of exoskeleton technologies.
  • There is a clear disagreement regarding the possibility of perpetual motion devices, with some asserting they are possible while others firmly state they are not.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of curiosity and skepticism regarding the technology of military exoskeletons. There is no consensus on the feasibility of perpetual motion machines, with conflicting viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the current capabilities of military exoskeletons, particularly in enhancing running and jumping. The discussion also touches on theoretical concepts that remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring advancements in military technology, robotics, and energy systems, as well as those curious about the intersection of science fiction and real-world applications.

Kalrag
Messages
104
Reaction score
0
Does anyone know how a military exoskeleton works? I hear they can make lifting, running and jumping a lot easier. How do they work?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Essentially the same as the power steering on your car.
 
PLease be specific. Is it hydrolic, motor or what?
 
Hydrolic pistons and servo motors act in conjunction with your own bodies movements (muscles) to 'enhance' your abilities (strength primarily at the moment).

I haven't seen any practical, real life examples (as in used by the military) but I have seen them in action (albeit in videos) in a crude form.

As you move your arm, the 'suit' detects this and moves with you, giving you extra strength.

So far as running goes, I'm not sure. I think the challenge there would be the same as with robots walking. I don't know if they've got them to 'enhance' running speeds or jumping. From memory, I can't recall seeing one work in such a fashion.
 
Here is an example for you:



They aren't even close to having a Halo style suit yet if that's what you're thinking of.

Here is one which is more useable from Lockheed Martin (HULC):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kat8I5UM_Vs&feature=related

Note, given it is all Titanium, it's expensive. This makes it a not very practical solution.

This latter one seems to fit your description more, however, it does not improve running speed (and doesn't aid jumping). It simply allows the carrying of heavier loads.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
And I hear that they are in need of a power source. Luckily I have a design for a small self suficiant reactor that never needs charging.
 
But thanks anyway that helped a lot.
 
Kalrag said:
And I hear that they are in need of a power source. Luckily I have a design for a small self suficiant reactor that never needs charging.

That would be an over unity machine (perpetual motion machine). Not possible.
 
Kalrag said:
And I hear that they are in need of a power source. Luckily I have a design for a small self suficiant reactor that never needs charging.

Did you get it from Tony Stark?
 
  • #10
tvavanasd said:
Did you get it from Tony Stark?

Tony Starks arc reactor burns out every so often. So I somehow doubt that's where his idea came from (although I did think that at first).
 
  • #11
It did really come from the Iron Man movies. I am working on the technologies and stuff. Thats why I opened this thread. See, its all coming together.
 
  • #12
And yes its possible.
 
  • #13
No, perpetual motion, over unity devices are NOT possible. Period.
 
  • #14
Kalrag said:
And yes its possible.
No, it's not. Thread closed.
 

Similar threads

Lowe's Hardware Employees Testing Exoskeletons to Aid Lifting
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
How is power transmitted in an exoskeleton arm?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Difference between Boss seal industrial vs military fittings SAE specs
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
How to Calculate Weight Transfer for Uprighting Vehicles with a Rotator Wrecker?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
How Do Insect Muscles Enhance the Function of Compound Eyes?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Designing an Exoskeleton: Calculating Minimum Required Torque for Hip Joint"
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Mechanical Advantage on Gym Machines
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
How Do Exoskeletons Integrate Sensors, Control Algorithms, and Actuators?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Mechanical Engineering and the military?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Discover the Secret to Effortless Motorbike Lifting with Central Stands
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K