humble3d Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Are exoskeletons the future for the Royal Navy ?? Designers say the Fortis exoskeleton will allow sailors and shipyard workers to wield heavy tools as if they are weightless Futuristic exoskeletons which help sailors lift tools as if they are weightless could one day be used by the Royal Navy as their US counterparts begin testing the technology. Developers claim the Fortis exoskeleton increases the wearer’s strength and endurance by supporting the weight of power tools. Two of the industrial exoskeletons have been bought for testing by the US Navy and similar suits could one day be used by the Navy and shipyard workers in this country. Exoskeletons are a growing field of research for the US military, with predictions armies may one day field forces of Iron Man-style warriors in powered suits offering superhuman battlefield strength and protection. Each Fortis suit can support tools weighing up to 36lbs, transferring the weight from the wearer’s hands and arms to the aluminium and carbon fibre skeleton. Related Articles VIA THE LINK BELOW... 'Iron Man' helmet designed for the battlefield 15 Feb 2014 US may replace troops with robots 21 Jan 2014 Killer robots 'a small step away' 27 Aug 2014 Early tests of the Lockheed Martin equipment have found it can make wearers several times more productive, the company claims. Testers measured the time a worker could hold a 16lb grinder overhead without having to rest his arms. “The longest operators could work continuously without a break was three minutes sustained without augmentation,” Adam Miller, director of new initiatives for Lockheed Martin, told Wired. He said: “Using the Fortis, operators could work 30 minutes or longer without requiring rest breaks.” Joints at the hip, ankle and knee are supposed to let the exoskeleton follow the movement of the human body. Wearers can flex, kneel, squat and climb stairs. Designers claim the exoskeleton will also cut down on muscle strains and injuries. Defence companies around the world are pouring large sums into developing exoskeletons, wearable military technology and new helmets. The Fortis suit is unpowered and far simpler than some other prototypes. Earlier this year, US commanders took delivery of three prototypes of futuristic powered armour, called tactical assault light operator suits (Talos). Lockheed Martin has also worked on a titanium exoskeleton to help soldiers carry heavy loads in the field. The company says its hydraulically powered, computer controlled HULC exoskeleton can allow troops to carry weights of up to 200lb. However powered and computerised exoskeletons have suffered difficulties trying to get enough electricity from batteries and dealing with the wear and tear of heavy use. Reed Foster, head of the military capabilities desk at defence analysts IHS Jane's, said America was the only military currently looking seriously at exoskeletons. He said Fortis was "quite modest in what it is trying to do" compared to other programmes. He said: "I think in theory it's probably a very good idea, but most militaries around the world probably have higher priorities." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11089950/Are-exoskeletons-the-future-for-the-Royal-Navy.htmlI could use one 0f these... :lol: ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VileTouch Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I could use one 0f these... :lol: ;) It's like a wheelchair...without the wheels...or the chair...err... nevermind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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