Modern exoskeletons. Jet man-plane exo-wing. What does an exoskeleton look like?

Rip the air at the speed of sound and rush towards the horizon, arms outstretched at the seams in your iron suit. In the blink of an eye, find yourself anywhere in the world without having to stand in a traffic jam. Flying without wings without being on board an airplane or something stronger. Let someone who didn’t want to be in Tony Stark’s shoes at his finest moments (in the Iron Man suit, of course) throw a stone at me. Partially, these dreams will be able to be realized by an exoskeleton - a device that can increase a person’s abilities (mostly physical, muscular strength) due to the external frame. We will tell you in this material what this device is, what developments already exist and how technologies will develop in the future.

From elastiped to “iron man”

Science and technology is, without exaggeration, the fiercest race of ingenuity between man and nature. Throughout his entire history, man has been trying to remake the world around him to suit his needs. Somewhere he succeeds, often not without harm to nature. You have to look at her somewhere. And while most invertebrates have an external skeleton in one form or another, humans do not. But there were no wings?

Nowadays, an exoskeleton means a mechanical suit or part of it up to 2–2.5 meters in height. Next come "mobile suits", mechs and other giant humanoid robots.

Like many other things in our lives, exoskeletons are gradually crossing the border between wild dreams and daily life. Originally just ideas, concepts, myths and legends of science fiction, today new versions of exoskeletons appear almost every week.

The first inventor of the exoskeleton is considered to be the Russian “mechanical engineer” Nikolai Ferdinandovich Yagn, who registered a number of patents on this topic back in the 1890s. He lived in America, where, in fact, he patented his miracles, showed them at exhibitions, and upon returning to his native land reinvented them. His exoskeleton was supposed to make walking, running and jumping easier for the soldier in the first place. Even then, the Russian genius foresaw the potential military power of such devices.

NICHOLAY
Ferdinandovich YAGN

In addition to the exoskeleton, Yagn developed cooling curtains, a hydraulic motor, a swinging propeller, a samovar-sterilizer and other devices

Hardiman

Let's not deny that science fiction writers made a gigantic and immense contribution to the development of exoskeletons. In 1959, after Robert Heinlein’s acclaimed novel “Starship Troopers,” it became clear to everyone that external frame suits were the future of military operations and more. And away we go.

The first exoskeleton was created by General Electric with support from the US Department of Defense in the 1960s. Hardiman weighed 680 kilograms and could lift loads weighing up to 110 kilograms. Despite all the gigantic ambitions - and they wanted to use it under water, and in space, and carry warheads, and nuclear rods - it did not show itself in the best way. They conveniently forgot about him.

a “pedomotor” device vaguely reminiscent of exoskeletons by inventor Leslie S. Kelly, developed in 1917

Nine years later, Miomir Vukobratovic from Belgrade, Yugoslavia, showed the first power walking exoskeleton, the purpose of which was to give to people with paralysis lower limbs opportunity to walk. The device was based on a pneumatic drive. Soviet scientists from Central Institute Traumatology and Orthopedics named after N. N. Priorov took the first initiatives to develop exoskeletons together with Yugoslav colleagues based on the work of Vukobratovich. But with the beginning of perestroika, the projects were closed, and there is no information about the secret underground development of exoskeletons. But everything was fine with space exploration.

At different times in different countries, craftsmen tried to make exoskeletons for a variety of purposes, but due to a variety of obstacles (which we will talk about later), they succeeded extremely poorly. Lack of energy resources, the slow growth of scientific and technological progress, the development of materials science and other related sciences, as well as the development of computer computing and cybernetics, the wave of which only rose about 30 years ago, all this slowed down the development of exoskeletons. Without any doubt, these are the most complex technologies that people have yet to master.

Problems with exoskeletons

There are not many materials on this planet from which you can make a rigid frame and which will not aggravate the matter with their weight. In any case, there weren’t many of them, but taking into account space flights, military developments, the development of materials science, nanotechnology and a dozen or so other interesting areas, humanity is gradually taking one barrier after another. IN beginning of XXI century, interest in exoskeletons flared up with remarkable force and continues to burn to this day. But first, let's talk about the main problems faced by exoskeleton creators.

If we break down a hypothetical exoskeleton into its components, we have: a power source, a mechanical skeleton and software. And if everything seems to be clear with the last two points and there are almost no problems left, then the power source is serious problem. Having a normal power source, engineers could not only create an exoskeleton, but also combine it with a spacesuit and a jetpack. The result would probably be an Iron Man suit, but the new Tony Stark has not yet appeared.

Any of the compact power sources today can provide the exoskeleton with only a few hours of battery life. Next is the dependence on the wire. Non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries have their limitations, such as requiring replacement or slow charging, respectively. Internal combustion engines must be very reliable, but not particularly compact. In addition, in the latter case, an additional cooling system will be required, and the internal combustion engine itself is difficult to configure for instant emissions large quantity energy. Electrochemical fuel cells can be quickly filled with liquid fuel (for example, methanol) and provide the desired and immediate release of energy, but operate at extremely low temperatures. high temperatures. 600 degrees Celsius - relatively low temperature for such a power source. With it, the “iron man” will turn into a hot dog.

Oddly enough, the most possible solution to the fuel issue for exoskeletons of the future may be the most impossible: wireless energy transfer. It could solve a lot of issues, because it can be transmitted from an arbitrarily large reactor (including a nuclear one). But how? The question is open.

The first exoskeletons were made from aluminum and steel, which were inexpensive and easy to use. But steel is too heavy, and the exoskeleton must also work to lift its own weight. Accordingly, if the suit is heavy, its effectiveness will decrease. Aluminum alloys are quite light, but accumulate fatigue, which means they are not particularly suitable for high loads. Engineers are looking for lightweight, strong materials like titanium or carbon fiber. They will inevitably be expensive, but will provide the effectiveness of the exoskeleton.

Drives pose a particular problem. Standard hydraulic cylinders are powerful enough to handle high accuracy, but heavy and require a bunch of hoses and tubes. Pneumatics, on the other hand, are too unpredictable in terms of handling motion, since the compressed gas springs and the reaction forces will push the actuators.

However, new electronic-based servos are being developed that will use magnets and provide responsive movements while consuming minimal power and being small. You can compare this to the transition from steam locomotives to trains. Let us also note the flexibility that the joints should have, but here the problems of exoskeletons can be solved by the developers of spacesuits. They will also help you figure out how to adapt the suit to the size of the wearer.

Control

A particular challenge when creating an exoskeleton is the management and regulation of excessive and unwanted movements. You can’t just go and make an exoskeleton with the same reaction speed for each member. Such a mechanism may be too fast for the user, but making it too slow is ineffective. On the other hand, you cannot rely on the user and trust the sensors to read intentions from body movements: desynchronization of the movements of the user and the suit will lead to injury. It is necessary to limit both acting parties. Engineers are scratching their heads over the solution to this issue. In addition, unintentional or unwanted movement must be detected in advance so that an accidental sneeze or cough does not lead to an ambulance being called.

Exoskeletons and the future

In 2010, Sarcos and Raytheon, together with the US Department of Defense, showed the XOS 2 combat exoskeleton. The first prototype came out two years earlier, but did not cause a stir. But XOS 2 turned out to be so cool that Time magazine included exoskeletons in its list of the top five military innovations of the year. Since then, the world's leading engineers have been racking their brains to create exoskeletons that can provide an advantage on the battlefield. And outside it too.

What do we have today?

This exoskeleton was introduced in 2011 and was intended for people with disabilities. Released in January 2013 updated version- ReWalk Rehabilitation, and already in June 2014, the FDA approved the use of the exoskeleton in public and at home, thereby opening the way for it in commercial terms. The system weighs about 23.3 kilograms, runs on Windows and has three modes: walk, sit and stand. Cost: from 70 to 85 thousand dollars.

A series of these military exoskeletons is in active development (XOS 3 is next). Weighs about 80 kilograms and allows the owner to easily lift 90 extra kilograms. The latest models of the suit are so flexible that they allow you to play with the ball. As the manufacturers note, one XOS can replace three soldiers. Perhaps the third generation of the exoskeleton will be closer to what we see on screens science fiction films recent years. Alas, for now it is tied to an external power source.

Human Universal Load Carrier is a creation of the famous company Lockheed Martin together with Berkeley Bionics. This exoskeleton is also intended for the military. The basis is hydraulics and lithium-polymer batteries. By correctly loading the outer frame, the user can use it to carry up to 140 kilograms of excess cargo. It is expected that soldiers will be able to use HULC a la "me and my friend truck" for 72 hours. Development is in full swing, so it is not surprising that HULC may be the first to enter service with the United States.

ExoHiker, ExoClimber and eLEGS (Ekso)

The prototypes are again Berkeley Bionics, designed to perform various tasks. The first is supposed to help travelers carry loads of up to 50 kilograms, was introduced in February 2005 and weighs about 10 kilograms. Considering the small solar panel, it can work for a very, very long time. The ExoClimber is a ten-kilogram addition to the ExoHiker that allows the wearer to jump and climb stairs. In 2010, Berkeley Bionics' developments resulted in eLEGS. This system is a full-fledged hydraulic exoskeleton that allows paralyzed people to walk and stand. In 2011, eLEGS was renamed Ekso. It weighs 20 kilograms, moves at a maximum speed of 3.2 km/h and operates for 6 hours.

Another sensational exoskeleton from the Japanese robot manufacturer Cyberdyne. Its purpose is to provide the ability to walk for people with disabilities. There are two main variants: HAL-3 and HAL-5. Since its presentation in 2011, in less than a year, HAL has been adopted by more than 130 medical institutes across the country. However, testing will continue throughout 2014 and possibly 2015. In August 2013, HAL was given carte blanche to be used as a medical robot in Europe. Newest model The suit weighs about 10 kilograms.

Average cost of a medical exoskeleton -
90 thousand dollars.

In addition to serious full-body exoskeletons, limited exoskeletons designed to perform specific tasks are becoming increasingly popular. For example, in August of this year, the Chairless Chair ex-stool was shown, allowing you to sit while standing. Daewoo and Lockheed Martin independently demonstrated exoskeletons for shipyard workers. These devices allow workers to hold a load or tool weighing up to 30 kilograms without straining too much.

In Russia, the development of an exoskeleton called “ExoAtlet” is being developed by a team of scientists assembled at the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University. They continue the developments of Vukobratovich, begun in the USSR, which we mentioned above. The first working passive exoskeleton of this team was developed for emergency workers, firefighters and rescuers. With a weight of 12 kilograms, the design allows you to effortlessly carry up to 100 kilograms of cargo. The company plans to develop the ExoAtler-A power model, which will allow it to carry up to 200 kilograms, as well as a medical exoskeleton for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

What all these costumes have in common is that they are presented mostly as prototypes. This means they will improve. This means that field tests await them. This means there will be new models. This means they are the future. It’s too early to say that a working and useful exoskeleton can be bought on the black market. But a start has been made, and the development of this direction is confidently entering a broad mainstream. We're still a long way from Tony Stark's costume, but what's stopping us from enjoying spectacular films? Fans of spectacular showdowns involving exoskeletons will always have something to watch: “Aliens” (1986), “Iron Man” (2008), “Avatar” (2009), “District No. 9” (2009), “The Avengers” (2012), “ Elysium" (2013), "Edge of Tomorrow" (2014).

One thing is certain: exoskeletons will be everywhere in the future. They will help our astronauts explore Mars, build the first colonies and navigate space comfortably. They will be used in the military segment, since by default they give soldiers superhuman strength. They will give the opportunity to fully move to those who have lost it. The Iron Man suit will one day become real, just like everything you see around you.

"ExoAtlet"

έξω - external and σκελετος - skeleton) - a device designed to increase human strength due to the external frame.

The exoskeleton follows human biomechanics to proportionally increase the effort during movement. According to open press reports, actual working samples have currently been created in Japan and the USA. The exoskeleton can be integrated into a space suit.

Story

The first exoskeleton was jointly developed by General Electric and the United States military in the 60s, and was called Hardiman. He could lift 110 kg with a lifting force of 4.5 kg. However, it was impractical due to its significant mass of 680 kg. The project was not successful. Any attempt to use a full exoskeleton resulted in intense uncontrolled movement, resulting in it never being tested with a person inside. Further studies focused on one arm. Although it was supposed to lift 340 kg, its weight was three-quarters of a ton, which was twice its lifting capacity. Without getting all the components together to work, the practical application of the Hardiman project was limited.

Development directions

The main direction of development is military application exoskeletons. The goal is to create armor that combines firepower and tank armor, human mobility and speed, and greatly increasing the strength of the one who uses the exoskeleton.

Another possible area of application for exoskeletons is helping injured people and people with disabilities, elderly people who, due to their age, have problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Modifications of exoskeletons, as well as individual models of them, can provide significant assistance to rescuers when clearing the rubble of collapsed buildings. In this case, the exoskeleton can protect the rescuer from falling debris.

Nowadays, a big obstacle to starting the construction of full-fledged exoskeletons is the lack of suitable energy sources that could allow the machine to operate autonomously for a long time.

In popular culture

In the game "C&C: Red alert 3" all 3 sides have exoskeletons. For the USSR it is a suit of a Tesla PC operator, for the Alliance it is a suit of Cryo (Chrono) - Legionnaire, and for the Empire it is a suit of battle angels. In previous parts of the series, exoskeletons are also often used quite widely.
The concept of armor with an exoskeleton was first outlined in the novel Tom Swift and His Jet marine ( English), published in 1954.
In I. A. Efremov’s novel “The Andromeda Nebula” (1957), stellar expeditions used electromechanical “jumping skeletons” worn over spacesuits to move in conditions of increased gravity.
The heroes of Robert Heinlein's novel Starship Troopers (1959) use armored combat suits with integrated exoskeletons that allow them to run and jump to great heights using built-in rocket engines equipped with a variety of weapons and other equipment.
In Stanislaw Lem's novel Fiasco (1987), pilot Angus Parvis is searching for a missing group of people, which includes one of Lem's regular heroes, pilot Pirx. To search, Parvis uses a giant humanoid exoskeleton (“big walker”) - the Diglator.
In the Warhammer 40,000 universe, exoskeletons (or rather, power armor theoretically equivalent to them) are used by the battle brothers of the Space Marines, as well as the Sisters of Battle. And the troops of the Tau Empire use a range of exoskeletons. Reconnaissance XV15, XV25, with camouflage fields, shock XV8 "Crisis", equipped with jet engines and wide range weapons, fire support exoskeletons XV88 "Broadside" (in fact, due to the size (3 meters in height) and the presence of a cockpit, the XV8 "Crisis" and XV88 "Broadside" cannot be considered exoskeletons, although they have a similar name to the XV15 and XV25 "combat suit" "(battlesuit)), equipped with powerful weapons and the experimental XV22 command exoskeleton.
In the StarCraft universe, Terran foot soldiers (as well as Protoss warriors) wear exoskeletons.
In the universe of games in the Fallout series, you can also use “power armor”; a miniature nuclear reactor is used to power this armor. It increases the character's defense class and his strength.
The games “Operation Silent Storm” and “Operation Silent Storm: Sentinels” are based on an alternative history of the Second World War, where real-life weapons of those years include combat exoskeletons“Panzerkleins” (distorted German. small tanks), capable of carrying various weapons ( aircraft cannon ShKAS, anti-tank rifle, etc.).
In the animated series Echo Platoon, the main type of military equipment is echo planes, which are essentially exoskeletons.
The exoskeleton idea is used in computer game"S.T.A.L.K.E.R." ", its prequel "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky" and the sequel "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat". The external frame allows you to carry more things, additional armor provides additional protection from physical damage, but due to the heaviness and bulkiness of the structure, fast running becomes impossible. However, with appropriate improvement, running becomes possible.
The Marvel comics hero "Iron Man" creates a series of exoskeletons based on the miniature reactor he invented. These exoskeletons are capable of flight and are equipped with a variety of weapons and devices.
In the film "Throw of Cobra" (eng. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) the main characters use exoskeletons (identical to those presented in the game "Crysis").
In the film “District No. 9,” the main character, escaping persecution, uses an alien exoskeleton, although such equipment, in terms of the nature of its interaction with the operator, can be equated rather to a lightweight mind-controlled tank.
In the game "Crysis" and its sequel, the special squad is dressed in exoskeletons (with a slightly different principle of operation: there are mechanical amplifiers, but instead of conventional body armor, nano-technological armor is used). They have increased strength, the ability to become invisible, as well as a number of stimulating additives that can increase a person’s strength and speed several times. Using the functionality of the exoskeleton suit - key element game mechanics in the computer game "Crysis".
In the game "Section 8", soldiers (regardless of playing as a Sector 8 fighter or a rebel) are dressed in exoskeletons. They have increased strength, increased speed, the ability to fly up to several meters and the ability to use any equipment (tanks, guns, robots).
In the computer game "Chaser", there is a mission that is completely carried out in an exoskeleton. In the game, this is a rather bulky and slow design, which is compensated by the fact that it carries powerful weapons - a machine gun and a grenade launcher. Apart from conducting military operations, the exoskeleton is not intended for anything else - both “arms” are actually mounts for guns. It is noteworthy that the action takes place on Mars.
In the universe of the game "Halo" main character Master Chief (John-117) was wearing the Mjolnir exoskeleton, which was also a spacesuit.
In the Bet on Soldier game series, the exoskeleton was one of the main combat units.
In Metal Gear Solid, the exoskeleton is used by Gray Fox.
In the films “The Matrix. Reloaded" and "The Matrix. Revolution" people use exoskeletons APU (Armored Personnel Units) to protect Zeon.
In the movie Avatar, exoskeletons are also used for military purposes.
In the movie Aliens, Lieutenant Ellen Ripley uses an exoskeleton loader in the final battle against the Alien mother.
In the game "Alien vs. Predator" the Earth's troops use the "Alice" combat exoskeleton.
In the online game Total Influence, mercenaries use exoskeletons Tank Armor and FEA (Female Exo Armor).
In the game Killzone 3, one of the missions is completed using an exoskeleton that has built-in weapons and a jet pack.
In the game Vanquish, the main character wears an exoskeleton equipped with a jet accelerator and a time dilation system.
In the movie “Spy Kids. All the Time in the World" the main character uses "hammer hands" and "stomp hands" used to increase physical strength.
In the books of the "Ancient" series by Sergei Tarmashev, the Commonwealth uses space exoskeletons as a fighter. (100 Titan exoskeletons are on board the Immutable class ships).
In the computer game F.E.A.R. 3, in some chapters there is the opportunity to use an armored robot, which is an exoskeleton.
In the computer game Chrome, all soldiers are equipped with an exoskeleton.
In the computer game Red Faction: Armageddon, the main character can control the L.E.O. exoskeleton, equipped with a heavy machine gun and rocket launcher and capable of striking with his left “hand”.
In a computer game Mass Effect 3 are used combat robots Atlas, which is an exoskeleton, is also Captain Shepard's armor, which is partly an exoskeleton (the ability to build in an adrenaline module, a strength enhancement module, etc.)
In the computer games Parkan and Parkan 2, exoskeletons are used in combat suits.

Notes

Filmography

"From a scientific point of view. Make me superman" Naked Science. Make me Superhuman ) is a popular science film produced by National Geographic in 2010.

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

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 heavier weapons and navigate 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 dime novels. The book "Prairie Steam Man" 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.

DARPA, the Pentagon's incubator for exotic and advanced technologies, launched a $75 million program to create an exoskeleton to augment 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, support large guns that typically require two operators, and be able to carry a wounded soldier off the battlefield if necessary. 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 military use. 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.

έξω - external and σκελετος - skeleton) - a device designed to increase human strength due to the external frame.

Story

Development directions

The main direction of development is the military use of exoskeletons. The goal is to create armor that combines the firepower and armor of a tank, the mobility and speed of a person, and greatly increases the strength of the one who uses the exoskeleton.

Another possible area of application for exoskeletons is helping injured people and people with disabilities, elderly people who, due to their age, have problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Nowadays, a big obstacle to starting the construction of full-fledged exoskeletons is the lack of suitable energy sources that could allow the machine to operate autonomously for a long time.

In popular culture

In the game "C&C: Red alert 3" all 3 sides have exoskeletons. For the USSR it is a suit of a Tesla PC operator, for the Alliance it is a suit of Cryo (Chrono) - Legionnaire, and for the Empire it is a suit of battle angels. In previous parts of the series, exoskeletons are also often used quite widely.
The concept of armor with an exoskeleton was first outlined in the novel Tom Swift and His Jet marine ( English), published in 1954.
In I. A. Efremov’s novel “The Andromeda Nebula” (1957), stellar expeditions used electromechanical “jumping skeletons” worn over spacesuits to move in conditions of increased gravity.
The heroes of Robert Heinlein's novel Starship Troopers (1959) use armored combat suits with integrated exoskeletons that allow them to run and jump to great heights using built-in rocket engines, equipped with a variety of weapons and other equipment.
In Stanislaw Lem's novel Fiasco (1987), pilot Angus Parvis is searching for a missing group of people, which includes one of Lem's regular heroes, pilot Pirx. To search, Parvis uses a giant humanoid exoskeleton (“big walker”) - the Diglator.
In the Warhammer 40,000 universe, exoskeletons (or rather, power armor theoretically equivalent to them) are used by the battle brothers of the Space Marines, as well as the Sisters of Battle. And the troops of the Tau Empire use a range of exoskeletons. Reconnaissance XV15, XV25, with camouflage fields, strike XV8 “Crisis”, equipped with jet engines and a wide range of weapons, fire support exoskeletons XV88 “Broadside” (in fact, due to the size (3 meters in height) and the presence of the XV8 “Crisis" cabin and XV88 "Broadside" cannot be considered exoskeletons, although they have the same name as the "battlesuit" of the XV15 and XV25), equipped with powerful weapons and the experimental XV22 command exoskeleton.
In the StarCraft universe, Terran foot soldiers (as well as Protoss warriors) wear exoskeletons.
In the universe of games in the Fallout series, you can also use “power armor”; a miniature nuclear reactor is used to power this armor. It increases the character's defense class and his strength.
The games “Operation Silent Storm” and “Operation Silent Storm: Sentinels” are based on an alternative history of the Second World War, where the combat exoskeletons “Panzerklein” (distorted in German) are included in the range of actually existing weapons of those years. small tanks), capable of carrying various weapons (ShKAS aircraft gun, anti-tank gun, etc.).
In the animated series Echo Platoon, the main type of military equipment is echo planes, which are essentially exoskeletons.
The idea of an exoskeleton is used in the computer game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. ", its prequel "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky" and the sequel "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat". The external frame allows you to carry more things, additional armor provides additional protection from physical damage, but due to the heaviness and bulkiness of the structure, fast running becomes impossible. However, with appropriate improvement, running becomes possible.
The Marvel comics hero "Iron Man" creates a series of exoskeletons based on the miniature reactor he invented. These exoskeletons are capable of flight and are equipped with a variety of weapons and devices.
In the film "Throw of Cobra" (eng. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) the main characters use exoskeletons (identical to those presented in the game "Crysis").
In the film “District No. 9,” the main character, escaping persecution, uses an alien exoskeleton, although such equipment, in terms of the nature of its interaction with the operator, can be equated rather to a lightweight mind-controlled tank.
In the game "Crysis" and its sequel, the special squad is dressed in exoskeletons (with a slightly different principle of operation: there are mechanical amplifiers, but instead of conventional body armor, nano-technological armor is used). They have increased strength, the ability to become invisible, as well as a number of stimulating additives that can increase a person’s strength and speed several times. Using the functionality of an exoskeleton suit is a key element of game mechanics in the computer game “Crysis”.
In the game "Section 8", soldiers (regardless of playing as a Sector 8 fighter or a rebel) are dressed in exoskeletons. They have increased strength, increased speed, the ability to fly up to several meters and the ability to use any equipment (tanks, guns, robots).
In the computer game "Chaser", there is a mission that is completely carried out in an exoskeleton. In the game, this is a rather bulky and slow design, which is compensated by the fact that it carries powerful weapons - a machine gun and a grenade launcher. Apart from conducting military operations, the exoskeleton is not intended for anything else - both “arms” are actually mounts for guns. It is noteworthy that the action takes place on Mars.
In the universe of the game "Halo", the main character Master Chief (John-117) was dressed in the Mjolnir exoskeleton, which was also a spacesuit.
In the Bet on Soldier game series, the exoskeleton was one of the main combat units.
In Metal Gear Solid, the exoskeleton is used by Gray Fox.
In the films “The Matrix. Reloaded" and "The Matrix. Revolution" people use exoskeletons APU (Armored Personnel Units) to protect Zeon.
In the movie Avatar, exoskeletons are also used for military purposes.
In the movie Aliens, Lieutenant Ellen Ripley uses an exoskeleton loader in the final battle against the Alien mother.
In the game "Alien vs. Predator" the Earth's troops use the "Alice" combat exoskeleton.
In the online game Total Influence, mercenaries use exoskeletons Tank Armor and FEA (Female Exo Armor).
In the game Killzone 3, one of the missions is completed using an exoskeleton that has built-in weapons and a jet pack.
In the game Vanquish, the main character wears an exoskeleton equipped with a jet accelerator and a time dilation system.
In the movie “Spy Kids. All the Time in the World" the main character uses "hammer hands" and "stomp hands" used to increase physical strength.
In the books of the "Ancient" series by Sergei Tarmashev, the Commonwealth uses space exoskeletons as a fighter. (100 Titan exoskeletons are on board the Immutable class ships).
In the computer game F.E.A.R. 3, in some chapters there is the opportunity to use an armored robot, which is an exoskeleton.
In the computer game Chrome, all soldiers are equipped with an exoskeleton.
In the computer game Red Faction: Armageddon, the main character can control the exoskeleton L.E.O., equipped with a heavy machine gun and a rocket launcher and capable of striking with his left “hand”.
In the computer game Mass Effect 3, Atlas combat robots are used, which are an exoskeleton, and Captain Shepard’s armor is partly an exoskeleton (the ability to build in an adrenaline module, a strength-increasing module, etc.)
In the computer games Parkan and Parkan 2, exoskeletons are used in combat suits.

Notes

Filmography

"From a scientific point of view. Make me superman" Naked Science. Make me Superhuman ) is a popular science film produced by National Geographic in 2010.

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

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. The full characteristics of TALOS are classified - besides, 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. Certainly, we're talking about 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 motor function legs) and HAL 5 (restoration of 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 abandon the 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: average cost the previous nine models is 90 thousand dollars. At the moment, the exoskeleton is undergoing a number of clinical trials; the start of sales has not yet been announced.

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