HULC exoskeleton gives soldiers superhuman abilities

Normally, we focus on web development / design or internet business news. Well, this latest development by Lockheed Martin caught our eye as a preliminary work-up towards making Ironman a reality.

Lockheed Martin was provided a $1.1 million contract to test it's HULC exoskeleton suite. The suite is an un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton that was designed to help dismounted soldiers carry heavy combat loads and overall reduces stress and potential injuries on the body (Human Universal Load Carrier). For example, the suite can help soldiers carry a weight as great as 200 lbs over varied terrain for an extended period of time. It is also flexible--allowing the soldier to navigate crawl spaces and practice a few squat thrusts in his/her free time. The magic is centered around an "on-board" sensory, micro-computer that keeps the exoskeleton in harmony with the individual.

The system will be tested at U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center in Massachusetts. Tests will focus both on the performance of the device and of the wearer using the device in operational environments.