Essay On Exoskeletons

Half a century after the start of work in the field of exoskeletons first samples of this instrument is ready to go to full-scale operation . Lockheed Martin company recently boasted that its project HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier) not only was conducted in conjunction with the Pentagon field testing , but is ready for mass production. HULC exoskeleton now goes foot to foot with several similar projects of other companies.

Actually the idea of creating a device that could be worn by man and greatly improve his physical qualities, appeared in the first half of the last century. However, until that time, it was just another notion of science fiction writers. Development of practicable system was started only in the late fifties. General Electric Company under the auspices of the U.S. military launched a project called Hardiman. Terms of Reference were unbelievable: the exoskeleton from GE should have let a person to operate with loads up to a thousand pounds (680 kilograms). The military expected to use the new technique to facilitate the work of gunsmiths in the Air Force. In addition, “in line" were nuclear scientists, builders and representatives of the mass of other industries. But even ten years after the start of the program, engineers from "General Electric" failed to put all their dreams into metal.

Recent history of exoskeletons for military purposes began in 2000. Then, the U.S. agency DARPA initiated the beginning of the program EHPA (Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation). EHPA program was part of a larger project “Land Warrior”, provides for the establishment of the future shape of a soldier . But in 2007, Land Warrior was canceled, but it’s parts of the exoskeleton were brought to another project. The ...

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...s don’t need as high speed or load possibilities.

As for practical application, over the past half-century views on the concept almost did not change. Still the main users of advanced systems are considered to be military. They can use exoskeletons for loading and unloading, carrying ammunition, and in addition, in a combat situation , to enhance the capabilities of fighters. It should be noted, exoskeletons will be useful not only in the military. Widespread technique, allowing a person to significantly increase their physical abilities, can change the entire look of logistics and transportation. For example, the time for loading cargo in the absence of semi-trailer trucks will decrease significantly, which will increase the efficiency of the entire transportation system. Thus, the development of the military once again can improve the lives of not only soldiers..