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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| US army develops robotic suits |
| 2008-04-17 |
| Some vids at link. On the big screen, films like Robocop, Universal Soldier and forthcoming release Iron Man show man-machines with superhuman powers. But in Utah they are turning science fiction into reality. We are at a research facility on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, ringed by beautiful snow-capped mountains. Once they held the Winter Olympics here; now they are testing endurance in other ways. The aluminium limbs gleam in the brilliant sunshine, as the strange metal skeleton hangs from a safety harness at the outdoor testing site. It seems to be treading water; actually its programme is telling it to keep the hydraulic fluid in its joints moving. Rex Jameson, a software engineer here at laboratories run by Sarcos, the robotics firm which designed the XOS exoskeleton, steps up and into the suit. The lightweight aluminium exoskeleton, called XOS, senses Rex's every move and instantly moves with him; it is almost like a shadow or a second skin. It is designed for agility that can match a human's, but with strength and endurance that far outweigh our abilities. With the exoskeleton on and fully powered up, Rex can easily pull down weight of more than 90 kilos, more than he weighs. For the army the XOS could mean quicker supply lines, or fewer injuries when soldiers need to lift heavy weights or move objects around repeatedly. Initial models would be used as workhorses, on the logistics side. Later models, the army hopes, could go into combat, carrying heavier weapons, or even wounded colleagues. There are still problems to solve, not least how to create a mobile power supply that can last an effective length of time. And making sure it is dextrous enough to be able to rip of a jihadi's head.. But the US military expects to take delivery of these early prototypes next year, and hopefully deploy some refined versions within eight years. It is a long way off before we see robot soldiers that can fly or fire missiles - like in the movies - but the designers are already imagining future versions more reminiscent of Hollywood. |
| Posted by:gorb |
| #10 STARSHIP TROOPERS > RICO - "NAVY does the Flying, MOBILE INFANTRY does the Dying". See WAFF, DEFENSETECH, + AVIATION INTERNATIONAL for the new configuration/re-design of the CH-46 CHINOOK hekp trasport. ONCE AGAIN, THE US ARMY-DARPA FEELS THE POWER OF THE COCONUT. * SERPENTOR > "Do you see how easy it is, COBRA COMMANDER"! |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2008-04-17 22:32 |
| #9 What puzzles me is that the suit prototype they were using was built of conventional, not advanced materials. It is all the difference in the world when you can replace, for example, a 1 inch steel bar with a 1 cm advanced ceramic that is lighter, stronger and more durable than the 1 inch steel bar. This could turn the bulky exoskeleton into almost an exo-suit. Instead of it weighing nearly 200 pounds, it might weigh 20 or 30, yet do everything the steel suit does. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-04-17 22:26 |
| #8 Personally I'm holding out for a Gundam Wing Zero. |
| Posted by: DMFD 2008-04-17 21:59 |
| #7 the suit could do a lotta things the Chain of command wouldn't allow now for Strykers and M-1's. The issue isn't the level of force that can be brought to the spearhead. The issue is political will, and always has been, for the modern American military's command |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-04-17 21:37 |
| #6 4) Load Colonial Marine Drop Ships 5) Kick the crap out of Alien Queens Anyone else out there play Act of War: Direct Action? lit'l Task Force Talon action? |
| Posted by: swksvolFF 2008-04-17 21:13 |
| #5 Just as long as Paul Verhoeven does not direct the movie version. "Bugs, Mister Rico. Zillions of 'em!" |
| Posted by: Eric Jablow 2008-04-17 19:57 |
| #4 1. "Serve the public trust" 2. "Protect the innocent" 3. "Uphold the law" 4. "Any attempt to damage haliburton property results in shutdown"(classified) |
| Posted by: Bright Pebbles 2008-04-17 19:41 |
| #3 1) Instead of kicking in the door, a soldier can knock down the entire wall? 2) Throw grenades about 200 yards? 3) If properly equipted for hand to hand combat would be like trying to take on Sampson (forget the jawbone of an ass, use a sledgehammer). |
| Posted by: Albemarle Clearong3941 2008-04-17 19:32 |
| #2 some observations from a potential user: The idea of a powered exo-skeleton keeps coming up, but no one seems to ask 2 questions: 1. What does this bring to the table that cannot be met by other means. 2. What kind of supply tail is going to be required to support this thing. As an ordinance officer, I shudder at the potential maintenece and accountability issues. Sigh, another type of vehicle to maintain. Still, I would like to see a battlesuit fielded anyway just because it is cool and sci-fi-ish. |
| Posted by: N guard 2008-04-17 18:55 |
| #1 Join the Mobile Infantry, with service comes citizenship, Do You Want To Know More? |
| Posted by: bruce 2008-04-17 18:40 |