In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the exploration of exoskeleton technology, driven by both military and commercial interests. Lockheed Martin received attention in 2018 when it secured a $6.9 million contract aimed at enhancing its ONYX exosuit for demonstrations by the U.S. Army. However, this initiative was reportedly halted due to various technical difficulties and funding constraints, according to a representative from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).
The Army’s interest in exoskeletons has persisted, with ongoing evaluations of the Dephy ExoBoot over recent years. By August 2022, the service introduced the Soldier Assistive Bionic Exosuit for Resupply (SABER), a non-powered exoskeleton designed to alleviate lower back pain and reduce physical stress for troops in operational settings. A 2023 study indicated that 90% of soldiers using this exosuit during field artillery training reported enhanced performance in their designated tasks.
Other military branches, such as the U.S. Air Force, have also ventured into exoskeleton research. Later in 2022, the Air Force commenced testing a pneumatically powered exosuit developed by ROAM Robotics, intended to assist aerial porters with cargo handling for aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III. This reflects a broader military trend towards integrating advanced robotic technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce physical strain.
The recent exoskeleton trials, such as those conducted at Fort Sill, exemplify a larger, cautious movement within the military to blend human capability with robotic assistance. Despite historical aspirations for a comprehensive “servo soldier” concept, current research focuses on attainable applications—primarily geared toward logistics and support roles, rather than direct combat scenarios. This measured approach highlights the Pentagon’s intent to systematically test the practical benefits of robotic aids for service members in challenging environments.
While the military has not completely abandoned the concept of a powered exoskeleton for combat scenarios, as outlined in the 2017 Army Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) strategy, enthusiasm for such projects has tempered. The strategy highlights long-term ambitions for a “warrior suit” that integrates various technologies to enhance situational awareness and combat capabilities. However, recent statements from DEVCOM officials have downplayed these aspirations, suggesting that the notion of a conventional “warrior suit” has been misconstrued as merely a proof of concept rather than a fixed military goal.
Concerns regarding the complexity of design, integration, and ergonomics have led to a reevaluation of the feasibility of creating such advanced systems. A DEVCOM spokesperson emphasized that while the project remains inactive, it has not been abandoned, and any future iterations would likely differ significantly from the initial “warrior suit” concept.
In summary, ongoing advancements in exoskeleton technology within the U.S. military represent a concerted effort to enhance soldier capabilities and ease physical burdens. This progression reflects a careful consideration of the technological challenges and practical applications necessary to realize effective solutions for military personnel. As these developments continue, it remains critical for business owners and cybersecurity professionals to monitor how such technologies may evolve and be integrated into broader defense strategies, particularly as they could intersect with issues of cybersecurity and operational integrity.
