Exoskeleton: what does it bring to human beings?

Simply saying, an exoskeleton is a mobile machine consisting primarily of an outer framework worn by a person, and powered by a system of motors or hydraulics that delivers energy for limb movement. It is also called exoframe or exosuit.

When talking about exoskeleton, the first thing lots of people probably would think of is military exosuit soldiers. Because it is indeed commonly designed for military use, a powered exoskeleton can assist the soldiers by boosting their strength and endurance, so that soldiers ar eable to carry heavy loads both in and out of combat.  

However, similar exoskeletons could also be used to help firefighters and other rescue workers survive dangerous environments in civilian areas. In the medical field, exoskeleton technology can be used for enhanced precision during surgery, or as an assist to help nurses move heavy patients. And of course, we have to mention that exoskeleton can change the life of people with disabilities.

 Lockheed Martin is a company that has expertise on exoskeleton technology. It has developed two main categories of exoskeleton, one for military use and one for industrial use. 

Lockheed Martin has developed HULC to support the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) test program. HULC stands for Human Universal Load Carrie,  it is an un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton intended to help soldiers in combat carry a load of up to 200 pounds at a top speed of 10 miles per hour for extended periods of time. 

The industrial type of exoskeleton is called FORTIS, it is an unpowered, lightweight exoskeleton ideal for the industrial environment. FORTIS enhanecs a user's strength and endurance by transferring the weight of heavy hand tools or other loads through the exoskeleton to the ground.  It has an advanced ergonomic design moves naturally with the body and adapts to different body types and heights. Using various mechanical arms, operators can effortlessly hold heavy hand tools,and increase productivity dramatically.

The industrial use of exoskeleton is truly an revolution to our current world. If it is properly developed and put on the market, exoskeleton has the potential to change so many industries and people's normal life.