10 Facts About Powered exoskeleton

Powered exoskeleton, known as power armor, powered armor, powered suit, cybernetic suit, cybernetic armor, exosuit, hardsuit, exoframe or augmented mobility, is a mobile machine that is wearable over all or part of the human body, providing ergonomic structural support and powered by a system of electric motors, pneumatics, levers, hydraulics or a combination of cybernetic technologies, while allowing for sufficient limb movement with increased strength and endurance.

The Powered exoskeleton is designed to provide better mechanical load tolerance, and its control system aims to sense and synchronize with the user's intended motion and relay the signal to motors which manage the gears.

The Powered exoskeleton protects the user's shoulder, waist, back and thigh against overload, and stabilizes movements when lifting and holding heavy items.

In 1985, an engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory proposed an exoskeleton called Pitman, a powered suit of armor for infantrymen.

In 1986, an Powered exoskeleton called the Lifesuit was designed by Monty Reed, a US Army Ranger who had broken his back in a parachute accident.

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Powered exoskeleton technologies are separated into four main classes, with one specific class for hybrid and one for any other non-common power technology.

The military class comprises any Powered exoskeleton used for any activity involving an army, navy, airforce, or any other military branch.

In contrast to an orthosis, an Powered exoskeleton takes over a large part of the active muscle work, while an orthosis is intended to activate the recovery of muscle work.

The Ekso GT, made by Ekso Bionics, is the first Powered exoskeleton to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for stroke patients.

Passive Powered exoskeleton technology is increasingly being used in the automotive industry, with the goal of reducing worker injury and reducing errors due to fatigue.