bobdina
08-15-2010, 11:16 AM
Human Universal Load Carrier ready for tests
Lance M. Bacon - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Aug 14, 2010 12:04:58 EDT
Aside from the seriously cool acronym it boasts, Lockheed Martin’s Human Universal Load Carrier looks to revolutionize combat operations and medical care on the battlefield. Lockheed spokeswoman Heather Kelly said the exoskeleton suit represents the next-generation of technology being tested to help manage a soldier’s load. What you need to know:
• Easy to use. The untethered suit is battery powered and has an onboard microcomputer and hydraulically driven titanium legs configured to match the soldier’s movements. There are no remote-control inputs — it moves with you.
• Heavy lift. The exoskeleton transfers up to 200 pounds of weight off the soldier and onto the robotic legs. This enables a soldier to carry weaponry, supplies, ammo or wounded comrades for extended periods of time.
• All-terrain. The HULC is designed to operate in harsh environments and be able to move when and how a solider needs to move. Soldiers can walk, run, kneel, do squats and even crawl while wearing the gear.
• Ready for tests. The second phase of testing at the Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center will begin by year’s end. Biomechanical testing will measure energy expended by the user, and lab tests will assess how quickly users learn to use the system. This analysis will last eight weeks. Several additional units will enter field trials early next year.
• Like “super heroes.” It turns out HULC is not alone. Raytheon has an exoskeleton project called the XOS. According to the official website, the combination of sensors, actuators and controllers “is reminiscent of super heroes depicted in comic books and Hollywood movies.”
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/08/universal-load-carrier-081410w/
Lance M. Bacon - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Aug 14, 2010 12:04:58 EDT
Aside from the seriously cool acronym it boasts, Lockheed Martin’s Human Universal Load Carrier looks to revolutionize combat operations and medical care on the battlefield. Lockheed spokeswoman Heather Kelly said the exoskeleton suit represents the next-generation of technology being tested to help manage a soldier’s load. What you need to know:
• Easy to use. The untethered suit is battery powered and has an onboard microcomputer and hydraulically driven titanium legs configured to match the soldier’s movements. There are no remote-control inputs — it moves with you.
• Heavy lift. The exoskeleton transfers up to 200 pounds of weight off the soldier and onto the robotic legs. This enables a soldier to carry weaponry, supplies, ammo or wounded comrades for extended periods of time.
• All-terrain. The HULC is designed to operate in harsh environments and be able to move when and how a solider needs to move. Soldiers can walk, run, kneel, do squats and even crawl while wearing the gear.
• Ready for tests. The second phase of testing at the Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center will begin by year’s end. Biomechanical testing will measure energy expended by the user, and lab tests will assess how quickly users learn to use the system. This analysis will last eight weeks. Several additional units will enter field trials early next year.
• Like “super heroes.” It turns out HULC is not alone. Raytheon has an exoskeleton project called the XOS. According to the official website, the combination of sensors, actuators and controllers “is reminiscent of super heroes depicted in comic books and Hollywood movies.”
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/08/universal-load-carrier-081410w/