US Army Furthers Development of Robotic Suits

An anonymous reader writes "The BBC reports on advancements in the US military's robotic exoskeleton program. It's being spearheaded by Sarcos, a research laboratory in Utah. The firm has designed the XOS exoskeleton for US Army use, a lightweight frame that gives the user greater strength and endurance. 'With the exoskeleton on and fully powered up, Rex can easily pull down weight of more than 90 kilos, more than he weighs. For the army the XOS could mean quicker supply lines, or fewer injuries when soldiers need to lift heavy weights or move objects around repeatedly. Initial models would be used as workhorses, on the logistics side. Later models, the army hopes, could go into combat, carrying heavier weapons, or even wounded colleagues.'"

Popsci

[howjan]

There was an article in this month's Popular Science [popsci.com] about suits like this. If this kind of thing trips your trigger that article is worth a read.

Re:Jamming for one

[dreamchaser]

We rely on it as a force multiplier, yes. That's different than having your force totally immobilized. There will always be a place for individual soldiers in the field, at least until when and if we get 'real' AI. Even then, do you want non-human intelligences controlling weapon's platforms anymore than they already do (AEGIS for one). Given that fact it makes perfect sense to augment the individual soldier's physical abilities and level of protection.

Re:I wonder though

[Terminal Saint]

As a matter of fact, that's part of the plan.

If you watch this more detailed video from back in November: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=109_1195663753 [liveleak.com] they even mention that long term they plan to enable the suits to be autonomous. Soldier steps in and it's an exoskeleton, soldier steps out, it's a humanoid robot.

Re:No Iron Man tag?

[dkleinsc]

Here I was thinking this was intended for the Mobile Infantry. Go get 'em, Juan Rico.

Re:I wonder though

[hey!]

I have to admit, it's a pretty impressive demonstration.

Note, though, that the suit is tethered to a practically endless supply of power. That is why I think these things will not be practical in combat in most of our lifetimes. Muscle power is limited, but incredibly efficient. A solider can carry enough energy on him to keep him at peak performance for days.

Any practical untethered system would only be usable for a very short time, or it would be designed around the need to carry a massive power source. I can imagine specialized uses for a suit that worked for ten or fifteen minutes though, although higher endurance ROVs could perform many of the same functions.

Re:Starcraft II

[Anonymous Coward]

That last sentence demands to be read in Comic Book Guy voice.

Re:No Iron Man tag?

[Cjstone]

Stay on the bounce, ape.

Heinlein was either able to accurately predict the future of the military, or he directly inspired it. In fact, a Marine Corps general stated that the corps' future equipment and organization needed to emulate the Mobile Infantry from Starship Troopers.