A team of scientists and engineers at Raytheon are designing an advanced military robotic suit that could eventually be worn by US troops on future battlefields.
According to project leader Dr. Stephen Jacobsen, the exoskeleton is essentially a “wearable robot” capable of amplifying a soldier’s strength, endurance and agility.
“Built from a combination of sensors, actuators and controllers, the futuristic suit enables a user to easily carry a man on his back or lift 200 pounds several hundred times without tiring,” explained Jacobsen.
“Yet, the suit is also agile enough to let its wearer kick a soccer ball, punch a speed bag, or climb stairs and ramps with ease.”
Jacobsen added that he sees his work on the exoskeleton project as a combination of art, science, engineering and design.
“People call it different things. Sometimes they call it inventing, sometimes they call it engineering. Sometimes they call it being a mad scientist. To us, it’s the process of getting together, understanding the problems, goals and then designing something to satisfy the need.”
