The next-generation ’energy-harvesting’ equipment could revolutionise combat by allowing troops to move faster, carry less and power high-tech weapons and equipment.
Prototypes of a self-powered, robotic technology is about to be put through its paces by elite soldiers in the US.
Designers of the kit, which is worn around the waist and covers the legs, say their technology enhances the mobility of wearers, reduces fatigue and makes it easier for them to haul weight up hills.
And now updated versions of the technology are being developed by the US Army – with the aim of potentially introducing them to troops on the front line within the next decade.
Dr Nathan Sharps, mechanical engineer at the Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Centre (CERDEC) confirmed work is underway to high-tech kit.
He told military technology website Warrior Maven: “The design is for an energy-harvesting exoskeleton to address the needs of dismounted soldiers.
“The system can derive energy from the motion of the soldier as they are moving around.”
Dr Sharps said the development of exoskeleton technology had been hampered in the past because of amount of power required to run it.
While the suits could improve the mobility and endurance of wearers, the weight of batteries and the fact they would need to be regularly recharged has made the idea attractive in theory but difficult to implement.
But Dr Sharps said the latest designs would generate their own power, reducing the need for soldiers to carry spare batteries or stop to recharge them.
He said: “The technologies we are developing can produce electricity, which can be stored and used to power batteries.
“This increases the longevity of a mission, decreases the need for resupply and reduces the logistics trail.”
News of the technology being developed by CERDEC comes as a separate system, developed by Lockheed Martin, is about to be tested by elite troops in the US.
The US Army’s 10th Mountain Division has been selected to put the ONYX system through its paces later this year.
The system is designed to be worn around the waist and reduce the strain on hip and knee joints, allowing them to carry more and move faster.
Officials estimate the device could be ready for fielding as early as 2021.