We’re getting there. Like answering the kids in the backseat nearing the end of a long trip, or proofing the final page of that thousand-page thesis, we can say the same to the development of the powered exoskeleton. I know, I know, the intro was a bit off to the left field, but I couldn’t help pointing this out since a new movie called “Iron Man” is coming out soon in theatres – something firmly entrenched in the science fiction pulp culture of the 1960’s but is now being shown, right here in 2008, where the “Real” Iron Man is out walking around in Utah. Present reality and the science fiction of the 60’s collide.

                                             The Exoskeleton's creator, Steve Jacobsen. To the right. 

The exoskeleton has been around for ages, but it was only recently that miniaturization, utility and usefulness have come together to give us a practical device that can be used for a multitude of applications. The Sarcos XOS exoskeleton is composed of force sensors, actuators, hydraulic valves, and the computing power necessary for calculating the movement of the metal frame and wires holding it together. The concept of this exoskeleton relies on precise prediction of the user’s movement through the sensors connected to the computers, and sending the proper, enhancing signal to the actuators and the hydraulics to make the suit move in accordance to the user’s movement. Thus it anticipates and reacts nearly instantaneously, eliminating delay and drag and all potential fatigue that may be related to lugging around some reluctant, 150-pound metal skeleton.

                                             The actual device is of course much, much more complicated.

While thoughts of Star Wars, Terminator, war applications and such is never far off for the testosterone filled guys, there is in fact quite a number of applications that does not involve violence – common household chores come to mind. This is especially applicable to lifting heavy weights and shifting around cumbersome furniture.

                                             The suit doesn't have actual hands to go bowling with, unfortunately.

Other applications may include caring for the elderly, especially in Japan where there is a large proportion of elderly and not enough caregivers. Lifting Grandma or Grandpa (or Ji-san / Ba-san if you prefer) and carrying them to their bath is made easier with the powered arms doing the heavy lifting. Any kind of heavy lifting will actually benefit from this device – anything from transporting sacks of cement to the work site, sacks of rice to the city-bound truck, perhaps eventually, shopping for a refrigerator alone, and bringing it to your (hopefully big enough) pickup truck all by your lonesome, if required. No more calling up another pair of big, hairy arms to come on over to move the ref. And yes, once the technology advances even more, it will become a transparent device which lets anyone have endurance, increased strength, and at the same time make a mockery of the upcoming Iron Man movie. Then again, laser-shooting palms are probably still a ways off…

                                             New developments to be added are already in testing and development.

Even with all the talk of noble and non-violent applications of this technology, it is inevitable that the military become interested in a lightweight, soldier-enhancing device that will give the edge to an outnumbered but technically – superior army. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is actually one of the investors in the project, and the US Army is intending to start field-testing by 2009. Before this and other applications can happen, a power supply must be made for the device – one that can power the suit anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, according to the Army mandate. Sarcos is currently developing the power generator, but for now, all demonstrations were accomplished while tethered. Which is a shame, or a relief, depending on what you think about an “Iron Man” coming to real life, with or without the lasers in its palms.

                                             The exoskeleton is fast enough to enable shadow boxing and snatch grabbing weights.

More pictures to follow.

                                              Leave your comments on which movies these exoskeletons come from. No points on the last one though.

Thank you to Popular Science and Engadget for pictures and the heads-up. All pictures are credited to Pop-Sci.