Amnot Borg Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Robotic suit could usher in super soldier era By MARK JEWELL, AP Business Writer Rex Jameson bikes and swims regularly, and plays tennis and skis when time allows. But the 5-foot-11, 180-pound software engineer is lucky if he presses 200 pounds — that is, until he steps into an "exoskeleton" of aluminum and electronics that multiplies his strength and endurance as many as 20 times. The [u.S.(sic)] Army believes soldiers may someday wear the suits in combat, but it's focusing for now on applications such as loading cargo or repairing heavy equipment. Sarcos is developing the technology under a two-year contract worth up to $10 million, and the Army plans initial field tests next year. Before the technology can become practical, the developers must overcome cost barriers and extend the suit's battery life. Jameson was tethered to power cords during his demonstration because the current battery lasts just 30 minutes. But the technology already offers evidence that robotics can amplify human muscle power in reality — not just in the realm of comic books and movies like the recently debuted "Iron Man," about a wealthy weapons designer who builds a high-tech suit to battle bad guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayden Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 haha, that is so sweet. I want my own. Hmmm, even in the ironman movie they have issues with power.. Perhaps we neep tony stark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_strekge Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 We'll be needing Superman time travel and throw away abilities too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bones2097 Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 thats not new, wern't ppl using robots to load cargo in that alien documentary.....? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amnot Borg Posted May 20, 2008 Author Share Posted May 20, 2008 thats not new, wern't ppl using robots to load cargo in that alien documentary.....? :?: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USWhoFan Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Yea, I was thinking this thing will look more like a Power Loader from Aliens than Ironman's suit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amnot Borg Posted May 20, 2008 Author Share Posted May 20, 2008 B) ahhh, I see what you guys are talking about now. still, any exo-skeleton has to start with prototypes that aren't snug and close fitting like Stark's suit. Miniature components take time to develop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayden Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 At least we know we're on our way, and maybe, just maybe, i might see something decent come out of it before i die. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amnot Borg Posted May 21, 2008 Author Share Posted May 21, 2008 At least we know we're on our way, and maybe, just maybe, i might see something decent come out of it before i die. :P I'm personally hoping they get the bugs out of the technology to re-grow nerves or connect them to exo-suits that will allow the handicapped to function more like everyone else. the beginnings of Borg or Cylon, maybe but I want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayden Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 At least we know we're on our way, and maybe, just maybe, i might see something decent come out of it before i die. :P I'm personally hoping they get the bugs out of the technology to re-grow nerves or connect them to exo-suits that will allow the handicapped to function more like everyone else. the beginnings of Borg or Cylon, maybe but I want it. Imagine the times you'd be getting at the Paralympics once the tech was ironed out.. 100m sprint in 5 seconds maybe. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bones2097 Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 thats not new, wern't ppl using robots to load cargo in that alien documentary.....? :?: twas a joke, just imagine someone watching alien and thinking it was a documentary..lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amnot Borg Posted May 22, 2008 Author Share Posted May 22, 2008 At least we know we're on our way, and maybe, just maybe, i might see something decent come out of it before i die. :P I'm personally hoping they get the bugs out of the technology to re-grow nerves or connect them to exo-suits that will allow the handicapped to function more like everyone else. the beginnings of Borg or Cylon, maybe but I want it. Imagine the times you'd be getting at the Paralympics once the tech was ironed out.. 100m sprint in 5 seconds maybe. :P could be... but I was thinking, yay, I can have a new hand again like Luke Skywalker or legs that will let somebody stand up to hug their kids. I know their are people with uncommon problems that prefer to treat the situation as if they have no problems(re: some deaf people do not want to hear and are upset if offered tech that might offer them that ability) but most disabled people weren't always that way and might prefer being able to join other people in walking on the beach or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now