Often in films and games we see costumes in which popular characters appear. Sometimes you wonder why such equipment is not available in real life. In fact, they exist, and have existed for several years. Really? These are special devices called exoskeletons. Let's study them in more detail in this article. Unfortunately, every year it becomes more and more more people who have limited mobility. Moreover, such problems are not limited to older people. Both adults and children can face such difficulties.
In this regard, scientists have developed exoskeletons. They help a person move by helping to increase a person's muscle strength while reducing energy expenditure. Essentially, such frames help people move on the ground, not only horizontally, but also vertically. But they should not be immediately classified as civilians. In fact, such skeletons are also used in the military, and much more actively. Quite often, soldiers have to face problems when they have to carry very heavy loads, climb high mountains with full equipment. Of course, such equipment is expensive, but every year the costs decrease, and so does the weight of the frame.
According to scientists, by 2015 universal exoskeletons will be produced that will be equipped with protection systems, powerful built-in batteries, lightweight frames, and flexible system settings. After all, each device must be universal so that it can be adjusted to suit any person. Of course, today there is a large number of developments, most of which are already commercially available. But not every person can afford such a device, and most of the population does not even know about it. From a military point of view, the situation is much simpler. The ministry in each country funds similar projects, so every day scientists are getting closer to creating universal exoskeletons.
Maybe soon we will be able to get back on our feet most people who currently do not have the opportunity to move. We can only hope. Exoskeletons are constantly being improved and refined. Moreover, every year conferences are held at which prototypes of developments are presented from each country. IN last years the most active and productive devices belong to Japan. This country was one of the first to develop robots, artificial intelligence. Later, this type of activity smoothly transitioned to exoskeletons.

Exoskeletons can not only increase human strength or protect him no worse powerful armor. Thanks to these metal structures, an ordinary person can run a marathon without getting out of breath or dive to a depth of 300 meters. Exoskeletons are even giving paralyzed people the ability to walk. What is an exoskeleton?

This is a metal frame up to 2-2.5 meters high with a power source and software. People still don't fly like Iron Man, only because of problems with the power supply - the developers have not yet found a sufficiently light and powerful option. In the future, the luminaries of science hope for wireless transmission energy, but this idea has not yet come to fruition.

We may not be able to use exoskeletons all the time, but it’s quite possible to feel like Tony Stark for a couple of hours. We will tell you about ten models of exoskeletons that help people in various professions, as well as those who suffer from a variety of diseases.

Activelink Power Loader

Remember the robotic forklift from the cult film "Aliens"? This exoskeleton is named after him. It was developed by Activelink, a subsidiary of the Japanese Panasonic. The manufacturer promises that with the help of the Power Loader, even a child will be able to lift a load weighing 30 kg with one hand.

Using sensors, the exoskeleton “feels” when the user applies force, and 18 electromagnetic motors instantly take over all the work. The device weighs 230 kilograms, but you won’t even feel it: thanks to the girth around the legs, the aluminum structure supports itself and does not put pressure on the user.

This is a whole line of military exoskeletons - the third generation is currently in development. The structure weighs only 80 kg, but allows the owner to lift loads weighing up to 90 kg without wincing.

Unfortunately, XOS 2 is tied to an external power source, so there is no point in using it in battle: the power cable will be damaged and the exoskeleton will turn into a pile of scrap metal. The creators are trying to solve the power problem as soon as possible, and perhaps XOS 3 will switch to built-in batteries.

And here is another American military exoskeleton. Unlike the previous model, which was completely devoid of armor, TALOS is designed to become a shield for a soldier. Of course, it’s too early to talk about complete invulnerability, but the exoskeleton’s armor is capable of protecting against shrapnel and bullets, and the ability to move around the battlefield with 45 kilograms of equipment is a nice addition.

The system will take care of the owner: many sensors monitor the physical condition of the soldier. If he is injured, the inflatable cuffs will automatically stop the bleeding. Full specifications TALOS are classified - also on at this stage Only prototypes are ready. The final model will enter service with the United States Army by 2018.

No, this model will not turn a person into a green monster, but it will allow you to carry 140 kilograms. In this case, the system will automatically distribute the weight, even if you hold the load behind your back.

HULC, aka Human Universal Load Carrier, runs on lithium polymer batteries. A full charge, according to the manufacturers, Lockheed Martin and Berkeley Bionics, will last for 72 hours of operation. It is quite possible that this type of exoskeleton will be the first to enter service with the United States.

Jetpack

Run a mile (1.6 km) in 4 minutes with 45 kg of equipment? New product funded by Defense Advanced Defense Agency research projects USA (DARPA) – Jetpack – makes it real. Of course, we are talking about trained soldiers: an ordinary person will not achieve such speed, but the development is also aimed at military needs.

It is noteworthy that the exoskeleton recognizes damage that the owner may receive. If a soldier injured his knee, the system will automatically increase support in this place so that the person will not even notice it. Of course, it won’t be possible to compensate for the fracture, but even in this case, the Jetpack will turn out to be a real savior: even if you don’t get there, it’s quite possible to get to the medical station with its help.

Soft Exosuit

Exoskeletons are not always a mountain of metal. At least, that’s what employees at the Weiss Institute at Harvard University (USA) think, who have created a prototype of an exoskeleton that can be worn under clothing, like thermal underwear. DARPA has already become interested in the project and signed a contract for $2.9 million.

The Soft Exosuit will be made of functional fabric laced with sensors. Such an exoskeleton will not hamper movements, but will be able to analyze human movements better than a rigid structure. Developers are focused on preventing musculoskeletal injuries in combat environments, but the Soft Exosuit also has applications in peaceful life: it will help athletes during training, and disabled and elderly people - in everyday activities.

Like the Power Loader, this exoskeleton was developed in Japan. Its full name is Hybrid Assistive Limb. The device was first introduced back in 1997 by Cyberdine Inc, and now, after a series of prototypes, two models are in use: HAL 3 (restoration of motor function of the legs) and HAL 5 (restoration of the arms, legs and torso).

Since 2013, HAL has adopted more than 130 Japanese clinics for the rehabilitation of patients with chronic muscle and nervous systems. In the same year, HAL was issued a certificate for use in Europe. It is noteworthy that the exoskeleton can be rented - in Japan, the monthly fee for HAL 5 is about 17 thousand dollars.

Mobile Suit

Another Japanese invention. This exoskeleton, more like a spacesuit, was created to eliminate the consequences of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

It is based on the already mentioned HAL, but its functions are completely different. Mobile Suit does not restore motor abilities, but increases a person’s strength and protects him from radiation and overheating.

"ExoAtlet"

Again a medical model, but this time made in Russia. It will allow paralyzed people to refuse wheelchair and walk independently. According to the developers, ExoAtlet is intended for both medical and social rehabilitation of patients.

The first tests of the mechanism on patients will begin this month. From 700 candidates with musculoskeletal disorders, participants were selected for a clinical trial, which included a 30-hour training course on the ExoAtlet. After this, the issue of supplying the model to medical institutions will be decided.

Titan Arm

In 2013, students at the University of Pennsylvania received the Jason Dyson Award for their invention, the Titan Arm. It only strengthens the arms, and the basis of the structure is in the backpack, where the load is distributed. With this exoskeleton, anyone can lift an 18-kilogram load as if it weighed nothing.

This model is multi-purpose: it can be used in production where heavy lifting is required, by people with impaired motor function of the hands, or during rehabilitation after injuries and operations. But the main advantage of the Titan Arm, thanks to which the judges gave this development first place, is its relatively low production costs. You can buy the device for about 10 thousand dollars. For comparison: the average cost of the previous nine models is 90 thousand dollars. On this moment The exoskeleton is undergoing a number of clinical trials; the start of sales has not yet been announced.

Well, who among us didn’t want to have a suit at our permanent disposal? super hero? For example, he will put on a suit from the Marvel comic book of the same name “Iron Man”, and in seconds overcome the speed of sound or with one hand rearrange the house, or, in extreme cases, save the Earth from destruction. “Fiction, science fiction and pipe dreams,” you dismiss it. But these dreams are not as far away as you think. Some of these fantasies can already be translated into reality with the help of an exoskeleton.

What is an exoskeleton?

An exoskeleton (translated from Latin as “external skeleton”) is a technical device that can increase a person’s physical abilities thanks to a frame. The main task of the exoskeleton is to support the human body when loads are applied to it, taking the “main impact” on itself.

Exoskeleton for people with disabilities.

What does an exoskeleton look like?

The external skeleton structure consists of a main shell made of carbon fiber and additional tubular structures for the arms and legs. There are also models that are more reminiscent of a space suit. There are pressure sensors inside the device, with the help of which control occurs.

By the way, exoskeletons are not such a new thing. Back in 1890, Russian engineer Nikolai Yagn registered several patents in this direction. According to his idea, the external skeleton was supposed to make walking and running easier for military personnel. Nikolai Ferdinandovich was able to consider the potential of his suit in military affairs. Science fiction writers made a special contribution to further development. Modern models have certainly moved forward in their development, but the scope of application has remained virtually unchanged: military and medical applications.

Progress does not sleep: man conquers space and the depths of the sea, technology becomes more and more sophisticated, but he is not yet able to defeat time and all diseases. Many people around the world face the problem of limited mobility. Moreover, this concerns not only older people, but also children and adults. The exoskeleton returns the ability to move to those who have lost it.

In military affairs, the “external skeleton” has received much greater development. Exoskeletons help soldiers conquer high mountains, carry loads, and protect soldiers from impacts and injuries. Most economically developed countries are actively funding the development of exoskeletons. Japan has been particularly successful at this, equipping models with controlled minds.

Although modern models much lighter and cheaper than their prototypes, engineers have not yet managed to solve all the problems.

1. Material. Scientists do not have many materials at their disposal that are suitable for the basis of the structure. Steel and aluminum are available but are not suitable for long-term use. Aluminum accumulates fatigue, while steel has heavy weight, which leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the “suit”. Carbon fiber is effective, but expensive.
2. Nutrition. Can be used as food for the exoskeleton electrical network(not the most mobile option) or a gasoline engine backpack (inconvenient, and also unsafe in military affairs).
3. Control: Unintentional or unwanted movements by the wearer often have devastating consequences.

Just yesterday, a flight to the moon was the dream of desperate science fiction writers, but today astronauts are constantly “accomplishing the impossible,” recently they used postal services to communicate with relatives, and today it’s enough to use mobile phone. Yesterday's fiction, myths and incredible ideas are turning into reality today. Modern exoskeletons may still be a long way from the functionality of Tony Stark’s suit, but who knows, perhaps tomorrow they will make our lives easier.

If you are one of those who watched all the parts of “Iron Man” with great pleasure, you were probably delighted with the iron suit that Tony Stark put on before the battle with the villains. Agree, it would be nice to have such a suit. In addition to the ability to take you anywhere in the blink of an eye, even for bread, it would protect your body from all kinds of damage and give superhuman strength.

It probably won't surprise you that very soon a lighter version of the Iron Man suit will allow soldiers to run faster, carry heavy weapons and travel over rough terrain. At the same time, the suit will protect them from bullets and bombs. Military engineers and private companies have been working on exoskeletons since the 1960s, but only recent advances in electronics and materials science have brought us closer to realizing this idea than ever before.

In 2010, US defense contractor Raytheon demonstrated an experimental exoskeleton called XOS 2—essentially a robotic suit controlled by the human brain—that could lift two to three times more weight than a person, without any effort or outside help. Another company, Trek Aerospace, is developing an exoskeleton with a built-in jetpack that can fly at speeds of 112 km/h and hover motionless above the ground. These and a number of others promising companies, including behemoths like Lockheed Martin, are bringing the Iron Man suit closer to reality every year.

Interview with the creator Russian exoskeleton Stakhanov read.

ExoskeletonXOS 2 fromRaytheon

Note that not only the military will benefit from the development of a good exoskeleton. One day, people with spinal cord injuries or degenerative diseases that limit mobility will be able to move around with ease thanks to external frame suits. The first versions of exoskeletons, such as ReWalk from Argo Medical Technologies, have already entered the market and received widespread approval. However, at the moment, the field of exoskeletons is still in its infancy.

What revolution do future exoskeletons promise to bring to the battlefield? What technical hurdles must engineers and designers overcome to make exoskeletons truly practical for everyday use? Let's figure it out.

History of the development of exoskeletons

Warriors have been putting armor on their bodies since time immemorial, but the first idea of ​​a body with mechanical muscles appeared in science fiction in 1868, in one of Edward Sylvester Ellis's cheap novels. The book "Steam Man of the Prairies" described a giant steam engine human form, which moved its inventor, the brilliant Johnny Brainerd, at a speed of 96.5 km/h when he hunted bulls and Indians.

But this is fantastic. The first real patent for an exoskeleton was received by Russian mechanical engineer Nikolai Yagn in the 1890s in America. The designer, known for his developments, lived overseas for more than 20 years and patented a dozen ideas describing an exoskeleton that allows soldiers to run, walk and jump with ease. However, in fact, Yagn is known only for the creation of the “Stoker's Friend” - an automatic device that supplies water to steam boilers.

Exoskeleton patented by N. Yagn

By 1961, two years after Marvel Comics came up with Iron Man and Robert Heinlein wrote " Starship Troopers"The Pentagon decided to make its own exosuits. He set out to create a "servo-soldier", which was described as a "human capsule equipped with steering and amplifiers" that allowed heavy objects to be moved quickly and easily, as well as protecting the wearer from bullets, poisonous gas, heat and radiation. By the mid-1960s, Cornell University engineer Neil Meisen had developed a 15.8-kilogram wearable framed exoskeleton, dubbed the “superman suit” or “human amplifier.” It allowed the user to lift 453 kilograms with each hand. At the same time, General Electric had developed a similar 5.5-meter device, the so-called “pedipulator,” which was controlled by an operator from the inside.

Despite these very interesting steps, they were not successful. The suits proved impractical, but research continued. In the 1980s, scientists at the Los Alamos Laboratory created a design for the so-called Pitman suit, an exoskeleton for use by American troops. However, the concept remained only on the drawing board. Since then, the world has seen several more developments, but lack of materials and energy limitations have not allowed us to see real suit"Iron Man"

For years, exoskeleton manufacturers have been stymied by the limits of technology. The computers were too slow to process the commands that powered the suits. There wasn't enough power supply to make the exoskeleton portable enough, and the electromechanical actuator muscles that moved the limbs were simply too weak and bulky to function in a "human" way. Nevertheless, a start had been made. The idea of ​​an exoskeleton turned out to be too promising for the military and medical fields to just break up with her.

Man-machine

In the early 2000s, the quest to create a real Iron Man suit began to get somewhere.

Defense agency promising developments DARPA, the Pentagon's incubator for exotic and advanced technologies, launched a $75 million program to create an exoskeleton to complement the human body and its performance. DARPA's list of requirements was quite ambitious: the agency wanted a vehicle that would allow a soldier to tirelessly carry hundreds of kilograms of cargo for days on end, maintain large guns, which usually require two operators, and will also be able to carry a wounded soldier, if necessary, from the battlefield. In this case, the car must be invulnerable to fire, and also jump high. Many immediately considered DARPA's plan impracticable.

But not all.

Sarcos - led by robot creator Steve Jacobsen, who previously created an 80-ton mechanical dinosaur - came up with innovation system, in which sensors used these signals to control a set of valves, which in turn regulated hydraulics under high pressure in the joints. The mechanical joints moved cylinders connected by cables that mimicked the tendons that connect human muscles. As a result, the experimental exoskeleton XOS was born, which made a person look like a giant insect. Sarcos was eventually acquired by Raytheon, which continued development to introduce the second generation of the suit five years later.

The XOS 2 exoskeleton excited the public so much that Time magazine included it in its Top 5 list of 2010.

Meanwhile, other companies, like Berkeley Bionics, were working to reduce the amount of energy that artificial prosthetics required so that the exoskeleton could function long enough to be practical. One project from the 2000s, the Human Load Carrier (HULC), could operate for up to 20 hours on a single charge. Progress was moving forward little by little.

Exoskeleton HAL

By the end of the decade, the Japanese company Cyberdyne had developed a robotic suit called HAL, even more incredible in its design. Instead of relying on the muscle contractions of a human operator, HAL operated on sensors that read electrical signals from the operator's brain. In theory, a HAL-5-based exoskeleton could allow the user to do anything they want just by thinking about it, without moving a single muscle. But for now, these exoskeletons are a project of the future. And they have their own problems. For example, only a few exoskeletons have been approved for public use to date. The rest are still being tested.

Development problems

By 2010, the DARPA project to create exoskeletons led to certain results. Currently, advanced exoskeleton systems weighing up to 20 kilograms can lift up to 100 kilograms of payload with virtually no operator effort. At the same time, the latest exoskeletons are quieter than an office printer, can move at a speed of 16 km/h, perform squats and jump.

Not long ago, one of the defense contractors, Lockheed Martin, introduced its exoskeleton designed for heavy lifting. The so-called “passive exoskeleton,” designed for shipyard workers, simply transfers the load to the exoskeleton’s legs on the ground.

The difference between modern exoskeletons and those developed in the 60s is that they are equipped with sensors and GPS receivers. Thus, further raising the stakes for use in military sphere. Soldiers could gain a host of benefits using such exoskeletons, from precise geopositioning to additional superpowers. DARPA is also developing automated fabrics that could be used in exoskeletons to monitor heart and respiratory health.

If American industry continues to move along this path, it will very soon have vehicles that can not only move “faster, higher, stronger,” but also carry an additional several hundred payloads. However, it will be at least several more years before the real " iron men"will enter the battlefield.

As is often the case, developments by military agencies (think, for example, the Internet) can be of great benefit in Peaceful time, as technology will eventually come out and help people. Suffering from complete or partial paralysis, people with spinal cord injuries and muscle atrophy will be able to lead more fulfilling lives. Berkeley Bionics, for example, is testing eLegs, a battery-powered exoskeleton that would allow a person to walk, sit, or simply stand for long periods of time.

One thing is certain: the process of rapid development of exoskeletons began at the beginning of this century (let's call it the second wave), and how it all ends will become known very, very soon. Technologies never stand still, and if engineers take on something, they bring it to its logical conclusion.

New modern technologies fill our lives amazing inventions and gadgets. Every day we use household appliances that were previously considered nothing more than science fiction. The Internet, smartphones, cars filled with sensors and autopilot are things and phenomena that are familiar to us and brighten up our lives. It turns out that the military industry is driving the technological progress of human evolution. For example, the microwave oven was first available to the military, and then the civilians planets. Satellites, computers and much more have entered our lives. A military exoskeleton will soon become available to us.

What are we talking about?

After reading the last paragraph, many were surprised or even scared by the word “exoskeleton”. Don’t panic, let’s figure it out and decide what kind of “beast” this is and why it is needed.

The exoskeleton is the latest unique development of scientists in such a field of science as biomechanics. The technology is made in the form external system frames, which is designed to enhance the muscular strength of a person or an android robot. This term was taken from biology. It refers to the superficial skeleton of invertebrate organisms. In the future, such technology will eliminate physical limitations in human life, as well as in the use of mechanisms. Military technology and its needs have once again exceeded all expectations. They say that in 5-6 years the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation will have special-purpose equipment.

You have already understood and guessed that the development of exoskeletons is the area of ​​interest of the Ministry of Defense. After all, such a development will increase the capabilities and physical abilities of a soldier. In the future, they want to use these technologies on spacecraft, as well as in machines for diving to extreme depths for research.

How did it all begin?

The military exoskeleton has become commonplace in fantasy world. We have seen such devices in video games, movies and cartoons, but these “suits” have only recently been developed. The very first one was introduced to the world by American military technologies in the 60s of the twentieth century. But it was so heavy and immobile that the possibility of its actual use had to be ruled out. General Electric and United States Military closed the project without achieving positive results. Samples that have been successfully used have appeared recently. The Russian-made exoskeleton has proven itself positively. Other countries are also developing costumes: the USA, Israel, Japan. What powers do you think are competing with each other in this development? The honor of bearing the name “military exoskeleton” has so far been awarded to the developments of the USA and the Russian Federation!

"Exosuit" today

An exoskeleton is found in various games: “Stalker”, “Warface”, “Starcraft”, “Crisis” and others. But in reality, these suits are just being developed. In our country, this new product is being developed by the Mechanics Research Institute of Moscow State University under the ExoAtlet logo. In America, two vehicles are being developed in parallel: the lightweight infantry “Hulk” from the Locked Martin company and the multi-purpose heavy “XOS-2” from the manufacturer Raytheon.

A large amount of information about developments is closed. But human biomechanics in our country wants to release the device for the open market. A skeleton for medical purposes will appear soon.

Medical exoskeleton

Russian-made systems are planned to be used in medicine. This will empower people who are chained to wheelchair. Human biomechanics is trying to introduce such devices into the rehabilitation process. They will perform several functions simultaneously:

• wheelchair substitute;
• a simulator for people with musculoskeletal diseases;
• a means of social and emotional rehabilitation.

The owner of such technology will be able to move independently and even get rid of the problem of looking “from the bottom up.”

Emergency rescue version of the suit

The military exoskeleton was designed to solve several problems:

• carrying loads that are very heavy for humans over long distances;
• demining the area;
• participation in anti-terrorist operations;
• liquidation of consequences man-made disasters and natural disasters;
• analysis of collapses and rubble;
• extinguishing fires when the supply of air in the rescuer’s breathing apparatus is limited, etc.

What is a modern superhero costume?

The Russian-made exoskeleton is made in the form of a frame located behind the owner’s back. There are also two supports for the arm and leg on one side of the body. The device has no limbs that act as a hand. Domestic development differs from its overseas counterpart. Our device is passive in nature. It is not equipped with servos, that is, the movement is carried out due to the muscle power of the owner of the device.

But the international community believes that our development is much more promising from the American point of view mass application. “ExoAtlet” allows a fighter to carry a load weighing about one hundred kilograms. The whole point is that the weight on the frame is correctly distributed. Such a solution reduces the cost of producing exoskeletons by tens of times, which makes it possible to equip large quantity fighters.

Overseas equivalent

A large number of electronics and batteries were built into the American development. In addition to the high cost, there is another problem in Western designs - autonomy. Engineers ensured that the system operates for 72 hours. But soon the question arises of charging or replacing the power supply unit (battery), because in field conditions This is very problematic and sometimes impossible!

Critics saw another problem with the American HULK. What should a soldier do if the structure is discharged and there is no way to restore the energy resource? The designers claim that this situation is not a problem at all. These military robots can be easily folded, turning them into a kind of backpack. But such a robot weighs about 25 kg. So what should the defender do: abandon the expensive development or carry another 25 kg of excess weight, not counting those 100 kg of luggage?

HULC maintainability

In field conditions, the reliability and repairability of this equipment also raises a large number of questions. For military equipment, these parameters are very important. For example, it would be effective weapon, if it resists adverse factors, and the soldier can repair it with improvised means during operation. It is unknown how the unprotected electronics of the American counterpart will behave in frost or dust conditions. In order to disable a fighter with such a “thing,” it is enough to shoot a firearm at a structural, power or hydraulic element. As a result, the supersuit will turn into heavy ballast. It is not possible to repair such a thing in the field due to its increased technological complexity.

Russian exoskeleton

In the domestic version there are no problems with the power supply. Our “ExoAtlet” is limited only by the physical capabilities of the fighter. The device does not relieve the warrior of physical stress, but allows him to carry up to 100 kg of equipment and weapons. Our development does not carry a burden; it helps a person perform this function. Military developments are unique. Engineers have ensured that ExoAtlet weighs only 12 kg. This is one of its advantages. After all, in battle conditions, every gram counts. We must understand that excess weight slows down the fighter's activity. This negatively affects the warrior's effectiveness. And the ease of such a design is an obvious plus.

The military use of ExoAtlet is also due to the fact that hydraulics and electronics are absent. The device is a simple and lightweight metal structure. After all, the simpler the equipment, the less negative factors affect it, be it breakdown or severe climatic conditions. Repairs will also be much easier. Our developers have created a skeleton in which there is practically nothing to be damaged. And it is much easier to restore mechanics in battle than electronics. Due to these factors, domestic development is much more reliable than Western analogues.

Simply put, simple and cost-effective military robots will soon appear in our country's defense. Meanwhile, Western design engineers continue to scratch their heads. They have to go through long haul modifications and improvements to your brainchild. Recently, HULC participated in army tests, but, unfortunately, the results were disappointing. Therefore, the military youth of the United States will not soon see an exosuit on their shoulders.

The history of the creation of "ExoAtlet"

• 2011 - MSU scientists won the tender of the Ministry of Emergency Situations to develop the skeleton. In subsequent years, the team creates passive and active devices. The passive one was not afraid of fire, weighed 12 kg and tolerated weights up to 100 kg. Active allowed the fighter to lift weight up to 200 kg.
• 2013 - a team of scientists separated to develop ExoAtleta for medical purposes. Their motto was that real people would walk around in exoskeletons.

• 2014 - Moscow State University Research Institute receives the main prize from Startup Village. The team became a resident of Skolkovo, and also entered the top five finalists of the Generation S competition and competed at the Sochi Olympics in robotics. Next was the presentation of the development in Singapore and negotiations with the country's chief rehabilitator.
• 2015 - first sales. The Arkhangelsk region purchased 6 suits for research and testing. In the same year, the first trip to the Middle East took place. At the X Venture Fair in Kazan, the team took first place in the high technology category.
• 2016 - ExoAtlet crosses the Atlantic and conquers the American and Asian markets. Skeleton developers associate this year with a shot from a signal pistol. Sales of devices are starting in Russia, and serious clinical studies are also beginning.

"ExoAtlet" at home

Our “Athlete” is designed in such a way that it completely reproduces the gait of the owner. But this does not mean that the process will be carried out without the participation of the owner. This movement can be compared to riding a bicycle. A person will have to get used to the controls. With such equipment, you need to relearn how to maintain balance and take the first steps one after another. This process takes from several hours to several days. The procedure for learning to control the exoskeleton takes place in the clinic, where the device is adjusted to the personal parameters of the owner:

• pelvis width;
• back height;
• length and proportion of legs.

Naturally, everything takes place under the supervision of a doctor, who conducts a complete check of the body before each workout. Next, the patient has the right to conduct training and rehabilitation at home, but again under supervision. The robot records telemetric data and transmits it to the monitoring center.

If the spinal cord was injured relatively recently, then there is a chance to avoid disability. But this “golden hour” does not last long. The sooner the patient gets back on his feet and takes the first step with the help of ExoAthlete, the greater his chances of restoring motor functions and returning to ordinary life. But it is important to remember that the rehabilitation process is different for everyone and depends on the vital resources of the injured person.

In case of total loss motor functions"ExoAtlet" will become a partial replacement for a wheelchair. It should be understood that you will not be able to spend days in a suit, as this is a means of rehabilitation. Daily training in a suit will replace three physiotherapists at once, and will also fundamentally change the quality of life of paralyzed patients. The exoskeleton will help people start walking. Walking will lead to significantly improved ventilation of the lungs, arterial pressure will return to normal, joint mobility will increase, urinary tract infections will go away, nutrition will be restored internal organs and muscles, and intestinal function will also improve. All this is a physiological effect.

The emotional and psychological aspects in the life of a disabled person are no less important. When using ExoAtlet, paralyzed people noticed that their mood and attitude towards the world around them improved. Their lives began to be filled with colors, positive impressions and emotions. They gain new strength. Now they are able to communicate on an equal basis with the people around them. Fire and interest in life appear in the eyes of ExoAtlet pilots. They say that behind them is not electronics and a battery, but a pair of technologically advanced wings.

Japanese HAL

In the country rising sun Human biomechanics does not stand still. Scientists at a Japanese experimental laboratory have developed a hybrid assistive limb. Today on the island it is used by people with disabilities. The development and improvement of this suit took place at the University of Tsukubina over 20 years! Today, the Japanese are actively introducing HAL technology in medicine. Cyberdyne (the owner of the rights to the exoskeleton) has leased more than three hundred copies. Back in 2013, the invention received a certificate for safety in use. This fact paved the way for the device to the world market and also confirmed its reliability.

The owner of the HAL-5 modification can lift and move things and objects exceeding five times the maximum load in weight. natural conditions. This turn in the world of technology and robots greatly simplifies the work of rescuers and liquidators of various consequences. But this modification has not yet been implemented.

Conclusion

We've seen fantastic developments in cinema before. We’ve seen an exoskeleton in games (“Stalker”), but we couldn’t even imagine that such technologies would soon become available to the average person. In 2017, active tests are being carried out in the field of controlling the suit with the power of thought. Our scientists are now obliged to teach operating system instantly read the operator's thoughts. The problems of battery autonomy are gradually being resolved, as the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to begin purchasing such devices at the beginning of 2020. We can only wait for our bright heads at the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University.

Today in Russia there is no market for similar products. We have yet to create it. The question remains open as to whether engineers and designers will bring their brainchild to perfection. The domestic ExoAtlet team will have to decide great amount complex issues: synchronization of pulse reading and equipment response, increasing battery capacity, reducing its weight, and much more. This trend is gaining momentum in the world and becoming more and more popular. Competitors are also growing, conducting a huge number of tests. Experts have already estimated the European exoskeleton market at one and a half billion euros. Let's wish Russian developers good luck, creative success and further breakthroughs and discoveries on their difficult creative path!