Top 10 exoskeletons that bring the world closer to superhuman powers

Exoskeletons have moved from science fiction to reality, helping people in various sectors to perform physically challenging tasks and overcome obstacles.

The Russian military is also investing in robotic technology. Its K-2 exoskeleton was displayed at the Army-2019 military-technical forum in Moscow, with soldiers wearing the device while walking and firing a machine gun. The exercise demonstrated that, unlike the exoskeletons developed by its American counterparts, the Russian prototype is ready for active military use. Lukas Andriukaitis, a research associate with the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRL) of the Atlantic Council, writes that Moscow is ahead of its competitors in deploying the system into its units.

And photos analysed by DFRL show that combat engineers used K-2 during demining operations in Palmyra, Syria. The device helped them to carry up to 50 additional kilograms without suffering fatigue. But Russian engineers are working on an even more advanced exoskeleton with futuristic design. The so-called Ratnik-3 model is expected to be deployed by 2025 and consists of full-body protection and helmet. It remains unclear whether this system is to be used in combat roles or in combat support operations.

Robotic companies are developing a range of wearables that the construction industry might find interesting. There are mounted arm exosuits like EksoZeroG that enable operators to hold heavy tools. Exoskeletons can also provide back support by reducing pressure on the back muscles and ensuring users maintain correct posture, reducing repetitive-stress injuries. And workers who often lift heavy items in a factory line will also benefit, as robotic suits provide shoulder and arm support. Squatting can be easier as well, as lightweight devices help users crouch or stand by acting as ‘chairs’. Exoskeletons are a promising solution for the construction industry, but companies are still cautious with deploying these technologies on a large scale, waiting for the results of smaller tests carried out in production plants.

It’s automatically activated when the wearer bends at a 65-degree angle and disengages when the person returns to an upright posture. The CLOi can operate up to four hours for every hour of charging, making it an ideal solution for workers at manufacturing and storage facilities. And the device even uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn users’ habits and optimise power and movements.

Atoun is also developing a lower-body exoskeleton called HIMICO for those who mainly need walking support. The device is still in prototype form, but the company claims its product provides a power boost of 19 per cent when walking uphill and 17.8 per cent when climbing stairs. Also, it helps people move faster over rough terrain. And HIMICO adapts its performance to users as it learns about their habits and variables like posture.

The duo produced an exoskeleton called Auberon that makes carrying heavy items much easier. The device is powered by two 6.8 litre compressed air tanks, which enable firefighters to go up and down 12 storeys of stairs three times with all of their equipment. Auberon’s users also have their hands free and can tackle the fire more efficiently. Pressure on the shoulders and back is reduced by passing the weight to the ground via the footplate. If eventually things go wrong and firefighters have to escape the inferno on short notice, they can remove the exoskeleton using a quick release mechanism.

Exoskeletons augment human capabilities and provide users with more strength and endurance. And although scientists are far from creating the next Iron Man, the benefits of robotic technologies are obvious. From medicine and military to industry and sports, exosuits play an increasingly important role and assist wearers in walking, lifting, bending, skiing, and many other activities. However, the future of robotics is filled with obstacles, and engineers will have to find a way to make cutting-edge products more affordable to ordinary citizens. But these and other challenges are likely to be overcome as AI and other technologies enable ever closer cooperation of people and robots.

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