U.S. military research and development of human external mechanical equipment soldiers or will have superhuman capabilities

In recent years, the operational environment and combat tasks faced by the U.S. military have become increasingly complex. This has increased the weight and workload of U.S. soldiers. In order to reduce the workload of individual soldiers, prevent them from being damaged by excessive labor, and greatly increase their work efficiency and operational efficiency, the U.S. military has been devoting itself to research and development of mechanical equipment that can enhance the capabilities of individual soldiers. This kind of human external mechanical equipment will enable individual soldiers to gain superhuman strength and endurance, which will not only enhance their logistical capabilities but also enhance their combat capabilities.

Previously similar projects, such as the “Handiman” project jointly developed by General Electric and the U.S. military, were cancelled due to major defects in weight and mobility. However, with the development of new materials and new technologies, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have resumed the development of related projects.

Human Universal Load Transporter (HULC)

HULC is an exoskeleton equipment developed by Lockheed Martin for individual soldiers. This kind of HULC is hydraulically driven, allowing soldiers to truly “get light weight” and reduce the muscle and skeletal damage caused by soldiers’ weight-bearing. Currently, HULC can lift 91 kilograms of weight, and these weights will be mainly borne by exoskeleton equipment, ensuring that the soldiers' bodies will not be slow to act because of heavy pressure. This exoskeleton equipment can adapt to various terrains.

Development process

In 2008, Berkeley Bionics launched the HULC project. Lockheed Martin received a design license from the company in 2009.

In February of the same year, Lockheed Martin demonstrated the HULC system at the American Army Association Winter Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In July 2010, Lockheed Martin signed a $1.1 million contract with the Army's Natick Soldier Center in Natick, Massachusetts, to begin trials and qualifications of the rugged HULC design. According to the contract, the Natick Soldiers Center conducted a test on HULC, tested its effect on the soldier's effectiveness, measured the energy consumed by the soldiers when using the system, and examined the system's adaptability to different loads and movements at different speeds. The contract also stipulates the supply of system field test samples.

In October 2010, Lockheed Martin upgraded its rugged HULC system to increase flexibility and adaptability to different users. Since then, HULC conducted laboratory tests including biomechanical tests, dynamic load tests, and environmental tests.

In addition, the pedal exercise test also measured a significant slowdown in the metabolism of system users. The maintainability of the system was identified through environmental tests such as dust, air blow, rain, temperature, and humidity.

In June 2011, the Natick Soldiers Center began experimenting with HULC.

System Design and Flexibility

HULC uses a humanoid design, mainly using titanium metal materials. The system is cable-free, allowing users to perform squats, crouching and weight lifting. The system weighs 24 kilograms without a battery, and the design height is adjustable for users with a height of approximately 1.62 meters to 1.87 meters.

This exoskeleton equipment can be controlled by the system's built-in microcomputer and no external control mechanism is required. HUCL can use this microcomputer to perceive the user's needs and adjust accordingly.

The HULC system can be taken off and packaged within 30 seconds. The system has replaceable modular components that can help users quickly escape danger when encountering enemies.

System features

Before and after loading HULC can be carried out in the horizontal ground at a speed of 4 km / h for 20 km, the maximum speed of 11 km / h, the maximum speed of 16 km / h. The system has a variety of mission accessories and can carry integrated systems such as armor, warmth, cooling, and sensors.

power supply

The HULC exoskeleton equipment uses a lithium polymer battery, and the system's energy-saving features ensure that the battery bears the maximum load under low battery conditions.

In January 2010, Lockheed Martin signed a contract with Protonex Technologies to begin development of a fuel cell power supply system for HULC, and plans to increase its mission time to 72 hours. HULCs equipped with rechargeable batteries reduce the number of batteries that soldiers carry with them for long periods of time.

Electronic and hydraulic systems

The HULC is supported by a flexible, extensible single-board microelectronic system in an enclosed space. The drive absorbs the heat generated by the microcomputer and other electronic devices without using a fan. The system's high-pressure hydraulic system uses standard hydraulic oil.

XOS2 "Second Generation Exoskeleton Equipment"

Raytheon Company demonstrated in September 2010 its self-developed exoskeleton equipment, the “second-generation exoskeleton equipment” (XOS 2), and emphasized that the equipment is similar to the steel armor capability of the Iron Man films. . In that year, Time magazine selected this equipment as the "most shocking" invention in 2010.

Raytheon Sarcos focused on reducing system energy consumption when developing the XOS 2 and tried to use hydraulic energy more efficiently. This attempt significantly reduces energy consumption while ensuring that system capabilities can be enhanced. It is said that XOS 2 will reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to XOS 1, which was previously proof-of-concept.

The XOS 2 can speed up the work of the individual soldier, extend the working hours, and increase the working ability by 1 to 2 times. Although current systems still require cable power, systems without cables are already under development. The system uses structural sensors, actuators, and controllers that respond to the user's actions without using a joystick for control.

The XOS 2 can easily perform dexterous actions such as playing football and punching sandbags, and the hook of the right hand can penetrate the wall. At present, XOS 2 mainly has two models: one is the "combat type" and only includes the exoskeleton's leg and waist attachments, similar to the HULC; the other is the "logistics type" and has a complete figure.

development trend

The main purpose of the US military's research and development of exoskeleton equipment is to reduce the number of people engaged in heavy physical work. Therefore, only by continuously improving its effectiveness, can the exoskeleton equipment obtain more research funding. At present, both the exoskeleton equipment of HULC and XOS have passed the proof of concept and trials and developments have begun. Lockheed Martin, which has already started HULC trials at the Natick Soldiers Research Center, can be said to be temporarily ahead of rival Raytheon.

Although both types of exoskeleton equipment will be mainly used for logistic purposes, a large amount of protection design work is also needed to ensure the safety of users, and these protection measures will inevitably increase the weight of the system, thereby impeding the development of the entire system. The use of titanium metal and cast carbon fiber armor plates can reduce the weight of the system and provide light protection for users, but these two materials are relatively expensive and economically affordable.

In the future, both types of exoskeleton equipment systems will be freed from the shackles of cable to achieve complete capabilities, but the power supply problem still needs to be resolved. Electrochemical and solid oxide fuel cells may be the right choice.

In addition, there are non-safety or ineffective movements and actions in both types of exoskeleton equipment. Only similar problems can be solved to prevent soldiers from accidental collisions and to ensure that system movement does not exceed the physical limits of the soldiers. Although some similar problems can be solved through joint restrictions, only by continuously enhancing the resolving power of the sensor can we avoid the risks associated with unintentional movements such as sneezing and muscle spasms.

Although the current development of the US military’s exoskeleton equipment is mainly aimed at logistical applications, considering its potential capabilities are huge, it does not rule out the possibility that it will become an individual weapon platform in the future. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon believe that as long as they can obtain sustained financial support, the exoskeleton equipment will contain US troops within five years. (Zhiyuan Houwu)

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