Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Lockheed Martin HULC Exoskeleton

Lockheed Martin HULC Exo-Skeleton Prepares to Smash Human Beta Tests

A quick primer though, before anything else: HULC, or Human Universal Load Carrier, could be the military's answer for troops who need to carry heavy loads—in this case 200 pounds—in the field of battle.

"Biomechanical testing will measure the energy expended by a soldier when using the HULC," according to a Lockheed statement. "The laboratory testing will also assess how quickly users learn to use the HULC system when carrying various loads and moving at various speeds. The contract includes options for field trials to test the system's utility in operational environments."

HULC

Dismounted Soldiers often carry heavy combat loads that increase the stress on the body leading to potential injuries. With a HULC exoskeleton, these loads are transferred to the ground through powered titanium legs without loss of mobility.
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.
Lockheed Martin is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the Warfighter including ground Soldier systems such as wearable situational awareness equipment and mobility assistance systems. Future advancements in exoskeleton technologies will focus on specific user communities, shifting energy and performance requirements. Lockheed Martin is also exploring exoskeleton designs to support industrial and medical applications.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/hulc/
http://gizmodo.com/5590061/lockheed-martin-hulc-exo+skeleton-prepares-to-smash-human-beta-tests

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Lockheed Martin HULC Exoskeleton