HULC Exoskeleton
From Lockheed Martin:
The HULC is a completely un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton that provides users with the ability to carry loads of up to 200 lbs for extended periods of time and over all terrains. Its flexible design allows for deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting. There is no joystick or other control mechanism. The exoskeleton senses what users want to do and where they want to go. It augments their ability, strength and endurance. An onboard micro-computer ensures the exoskeleton moves in concert with the individual. Its modularity allows for major components to be swapped out in the field. Additionally, its unique power-saving design allows the user to operate on battery power for extended missions. The HULC’s load-carrying ability works even when power is not available.[via MeFi]
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I'll get it over with:
- HULC SMASH!
- You wouldn't like it when it was angry
Dude! You had to take both of them?
Is the Heinlein Trust getting any royalties for this? Starship Troopers lives!
Why is it that exoskeletons never demonstrate them wearing heavy personal armor (something like that grizzly/bullet proof suit made a while back)?
I'm sure soldiers would appreciate being able to survive an RPG blast far more then the ability to carry 200 pounds of extra gear.
Also, get them some mini guns and start up anti-grav research for god sakes, you know those Mutons are coming and they're not going to be easy!
As someone who can barely walk, much less carry anything, I hope these get Medicare approval soon.
More Deathlok than Hulk I think....But I'm just trying to figure out why the shell he's holding is black of all colors....I don't think they make much armor piercing ammo for 155mm howitzers. Shouldn't it be light blue for a practice round?
I can't help but picture a nasty outcome to a controller error every time I see an assistive lift device. Could it potentially overextend a joint? Ouch!!
Mr. Hawkins --
The main shortcoming of armor isn't weight, it's restriction of range of movement/limitation of flexibility. If you hung enough armor on one of these exoskeletons to protect a soldier from heavy weapons, he'd be so limited in entering buildings, hiding behind cover, and moving stealthily, that he might as well just climb into an armored vehicle.
On the other hand, the troops whose jobs involve handling howitzer ammo (like the guy in the photo), or schlepping mortars around, or loading and unloading vehicles, will like these just fine.
And they'll also be a nice equalizer when battling an alien queen.
Get away from her you bitch!
Not entirely sure "anthropomorphic" is the right word there...
Maybe "ergonomic" would be a better fit, but if you start treating your exoskeleton as human that is probably closer to "bi-polar" or "schizophrenic".
"but it told me to kill!"
C'mon! Call it the Hulka!
Isn't this another example of the tons of money wasted on warfare?
Rather concentrate on advancing clean energy technology or even using the HULC technology to aid paraplegics.
Oh Wow!
Now I can move my hand from keyboard to mouse with no effort.
LOL
@ Joony D
I think you basically answered your own question. I'm no fan of war either (especially expensive, illegal ones), but at least we have the consolation that the massive amount of money the US military sinks into R&D results in technological spinoffs that (in some cases) are unequivocally beneficial.
#1
I'll get it over with:
- HULC SMASH!
- You wouldn't like it when it was angry
The official slogan "Army Strong" already reminded me of the Incredible Hulk-- "Army Strong!" "Army Smash!"
I guess it's a mortar, but at first I thought that thing in his hand was an arm-cannon. Kinda disappointed it's not. If I'm going to be wearing an exoskeleton, it damn well better have some sort of arm-mounted weapon, megaman-style.
The medical/ versions of these suits are being developed in Japan.
http://www.cyberdyne.jp/english/
Yes. They are called Cyberdyne. Be afraid.
Airship, you and me both.
...One word to describe the HULC:
"Incredible"
#17 Arkizzle: The worst thing is Cyberdyne has a robot suit called HAL.
Now you should be really afraid.
Boeotian
Mu-hu-hahahaha!
Umbriel,
Even if it couldn't stop an RPG, existing armor to protect against rifles is already causing problems due to weight and heat. This would solve that. Especially if they can work in a backpack air conditioner.
Regardless of what it does now and in the future, and I expect armored suits sure enough, gotta love how LM now has coined the perfect acronym, harking back to the comic book character in an obvious fashion to appeal to that level of overhype, and setting itself up to be the de facto term for these kind of suits forever - like jeep or kleenex...or Hummer. I have no doubt the "Hulk Suit" will be the slang term, and "hulk on" will be like "fix bayonets".
"Come on, you apes, ya wanna live forever?"