Lockheed Reveals Exoskeleton Military Technology

[AeroSpace News]

Lockheed has shown a robotic exoskeleton designed to augment Soldiers' strength and endurance and prevent their premature fatigue.

The Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC(TM)) exoskeleton, introduced at the Association of the United States' Army Winter Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is intended says Lockheed to meet future mobility and sustainment needs of Warfighters by providing strength and survivability. Under an exclusive licensing agreement with Berkeley BionicsTM, Lockheed will advance the development of the HULC design to provide Soldiers an advantage in military ground operations.

"With our enhancements to the HULC system, Soldiers will be able to carry loads up to 200 pounds with minimal effort," said Rich Russell, director of Sensors, Data Links and Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Lockheed Martin is developing an entire line of ground Soldier technologies that will improve Warfighters' ability to effectively complete their missions."

Dismounted Soldiers often carry heavy combat loads that increase stress on the body, leading to injuries and exhaustion. HULC transfers the weight from heavy loads to the ground through the battery-powered, titanium legs of the lower-body exoskeleton. An onboard micro-computer ensures the exoskeleton moves in concert with the individual. HULC's completely un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton design allows for deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting with minor exertion.

Lockheed's advanced technology systems will now include ground Soldier solutions such as wearable situational awareness equipment and mobility assistance systems. Additional technological advancements will focus on specific user needs and performance requirements.

Lockheed says it is also exploring exoskeleton designs to support industrial and medical applications.

Source: Lockheed Martin