In Robotics, What is an Exoskeleton?
In robotics, an exoskeleton, also known as a powered exoskeleton, is a powered suit that is used to magnify human strength and/or speed. The concept has had extensive treatment in science fiction, but only very recently has it begun to acquire plausibility in the real world. The concept has acquired the most attention from the US military and robotics-oriented Asian countries like Japan and South Korea. As of 2009, exoskeletons have been built, but are not widely deployed. Neither are exoskeletons widely available commercially, but that could soon change. In 2008, one company, Cyberdyne of Japan, began renting out its suits. The first serious effort to construct a powered exoskeleton, conducted by General Electric in 1965, was called Hardiman. The intent behind the project was to create an exoskeleton that a person could use to lift 1500 lbs (680 kg), almost a ton. The project failed. Attempts at using the full exoskeleton resulted in violent uncontrolled motion which would have ripped
