Berkeley develops robotic exoskeleton

[Free Enterprise]

It seems unlikely the military would be able to use that technology in many cases. An infantry soldier’s weight is getting lighter in many respects from new technological advances in weaponry. Also, the new body armor models would probably interfere with wearing such a device. New developments in armor with many features such as air cooling systems and helmets with innate night vision will probably be viewed as more important. Furthermore, it may be possible to use various things to “disrupt” the data transmition process of the equipment by using various weapons.

 

[Speedo]

An infantry soldier’s weight is getting lighter in many respects from new technological advances in weaponry.

Not really. Soldiers always have to carry a few basic things: Weapon, Ammo, Grenades, Water, Food. You can't lighten them. Body armor itself may be improving, but most new programs only add things. Look at Land Warrior, for example: camera/sight system on weapon, backpacks with additional computers/radios, and the batteries that they require.

Besides, such a system, once viable, would allow greatly increased loads. You can never have to much ammo.

I don't think it will be ready for combat anytime soon though. I mean, just one weakness (I'll bet) now: knock that guy over and he's gonna have fun getting back up (now imagine him carrying a combat load of say, 175 lbs). None of the muscles in the chest, back, arms, etc are going to get any benefit from that exoskeleton, but they still have the additional weight to move...

 

[Sims2789]

this would be great for the military and rescue workers!

 

[Sims2789]

another reason not to hate Berkely! they also invented the element Berkelium.

 

[Pontiuth Pilate]

The Almighty could be from Berkeley and it wouldn't change my opinion of that city. Actually, given the current state of the universe, I wouldn't at all be surprised if He is.

On topic: this is a war project... I don't see any practical application. Vehicles are always going to be much easier, and they too can adjust to your movements, as in a Segway or a miniplane. If anything is the wave of the future, it's the personal airplane. Not one of the huge metal affairs - fiberglass and plastic, one- or two-seater, running on a light-fuel engine.