Popular media such as movies and gaming industry have been captivating us with men in flying armours and super soldier for years now, Let's finally take a look at the technology that makes this possible this...
Many of us have actually been exposed to several varieties and types of exoskeleton but might not actually be aware that what we are looking at or interacting with an exoskeleton.
Exoskeleton have been the core of scifi games and movies for over a century now. Some examples being the ones in Star ship Troopers(1959), Metroid(1986), Aliens(1986), Halo(2001), Avatar(2009) and the one in Call of Duty:Advanced Warfare(2014).
Perhaps the most popular example of an exoskeleton might be the one adorned by Tony Stark aka Iron man in films as well as comics.
What you see in most of them are more advanced forms of exoskeletons than what are presently possible. Nevertheless they are still considered to be exoskeletons.
One more important point to note is that in most of the cases, exoskeletons are portrayed as weapons of mass destruction primarily used for military uses, exoskeletons find several other uses too, some uses more important than the one to cause destruction upon ones nemesis.
But before that let us find what exactly an exoskeleton is.
What exactly is an exoskeleton?
In general an exoskeleton is wearable device that works in coordination with the user unlike an autonomous robot that works instead of of the user/operator.
Exoskeletons are usually referred as robotic suit, powered armor, wearable machine etc.
In simple terms it is a suit that is worn by a user to increase/augment humans natural physical ability.
They can be fully automated or manual can be made of different materials light/heavy, durable/ductile or upper body based/lower body based/Full fledged suit etc, depending on it's application.
What are the Exoskeleton used for?
Exoskeletons are used to amplify, reinforce or restore human performance. They have several uses in:
1. Military sector.
2. Medical sector.
3 Industrial sector.
1. Military Sector:
Since ages the military research teams around the world have been fascinated with creating the perfect soldier or say the "Super Soldier".
Exoskeleton technology is one of the ways in which that could actually be achieved. With around two decades of research some companies have actually been able to design special exoskeleton suits that can be worn by the soldiers which support their strength and endurance as well as protect them from strain injury.
They allow the soldier to lift heavier loads, run faster and longer, jump higher and stay in constrained positions comfortably for significantly long period of time.
In other words it facilitates in making a soldier that is stronger, faster tougher and more deadly.
2. Medical Sector:
Among all sectors, Medical sector has been the one to benefit the most from exoskeletons. An estimated 41% of exoskeleton market has been occupied by health and medical sectors.
Exoskeletons are mostly used in medical sectors to provide physiotherapy and to assist the disabled in their body movements and functions.
Different types of wearable exoskeleton suits are available depending on their need and functions. Soft suits are designed in such a way to replicate the human body's joint movements in areas such as the ankles, hips, knees etc. When worn by the user they facilitate him in performing the respective movements. It can also facilitate a disabled man to walk again. Similarly it can provide physiotherapy and rehabilitation to the injured.
The top most sports faces use exoskeletons to help them out in their recovery and get them in performing shape again.
3. Industrial Sector:
Several wearable Exoskeleton suits are designed which help to lessen worker strain from repetitive tasks that are common in manufacturing and construction.Several automobile giants such as Ford and Hyundai have deployed industrial exoskeletons in it's manufacturing plants.
When worn by the workers they provide lift assistance to hold weights overhead or at particular angles, reducing the overall strain and helping in holding it out and carrying out the operation for longer durations without causing much strain. They are also used to assist worker who have to stay in seated position throughout the day by decreasing the use of waist and lower body muscles by significant amount and reducing fatigue as a result for being in the same position for extended period of time.
Exoskeletons can prevent injuries that are caused by everyday working activities such as lifting and carrying heavy loads.
They are also used to provide safety to the workers who work in potentially dangerous environment.
How do the exoskeletons work/function?
The working of an exoskeleton is actually more complex than any terms that we may use to define it.
A general exoskeleton device contains a frame that goes around the user's body or a part of it. The frame is usually made of hard materials such as metal and sometimes it's made of soft material like some kind of special fabric.Some exoskeletons contain sensors which monitor and respond to user's movements.
Exoskeletons can be powered in many ways and some might not need power at all and function mechanically. Such mechanical exoskeleton utilize a system of pulleys to support the user's body and movements such exoskeletons are called as Passive Exoskeletons.
In other cases the exoskeletons may utilize electricity generally provided through batteries and hydraulics to assist the movements. Such ones are called as Powered Exoskeletons. This are generally more powerful and are the ones we usually see in popular media.
The main concept behind the functioning of exoskeleton is that an exoskeleton either reduces or completely takes off the stress induced upon the user's muscles while performing tasks. It also supports the joints and takes pressure off them an transfer it to the core which significantly reduces the strain and stress. As the user stops the activity and returns to his original state, the exoskeleton releases the support.
Hence it makes the whole operation or activity less tiring by making the whole motions feel much more natural to the users body and therefore making it less tiring.
What can we expect of the exoskeleton in the the near future?
Simply said, exoskeletons are the future of physical labor. They may be used more widely to assist and facilitate in physical labor in all most all sectors, fields and industry.
The current major drawback to exoskeletons is their price and expense which most of us around cant afford.
But in the near future, they might become more common and could be a useful and enjoyable product at the right price.
They can used in education sector to teach the natural movements required to play a musical instrument such as a piano or guitar.
A more motorized form of it could be used as an alternative to the existing form of public transportation.
Heck, even our dream Iron man suit could be possible and as well as affordable. So, we can actually expect several flying armors around our houses. Now I don't know whether it sounds more exciting or more frightening.
Anyhow the future does looks exciting for the exoskeletons and we can only hope that it turns out the way we want it too...
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...
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