What is DRDO exoskeleton?

What are Exoskeletons? Exoskeletons or exo-suits are the gadgets worn by a soldier over a regular uniform to augment his strength. The gadget comes with powered special devices and AI to enhance the capabilities of a soldier.

Is DRDO developing exoskeleton?

In a bid to make the lives of soldiers safer and conducive, DRDO has been doing R&D on the exoskeleton technology for several years now. In late 2020, non-powered exoskeletons were used by the Chinese border defence troops for supporting operations like supply delivery, patrol etc.

What is a military exoskeleton?

The military class comprises any exoskeleton used for any activity involving an army, navy, airforce, or any other military branch. The medical class comprises the exoskeletons involved in clinical activities, or in general, used in any hospital/clinic.

What binds an Indian soldier?

A soldier is a soldier first and anything else later. He prays under a common roof. It is this unique character, which makes him bind in a team despite such diversity. Fairness and Honesty The spirit of honesty and fair play.

How do exoskeletons work?

How does it work? It takes the weight of users’ arms off their necks, backs, and shoulders and transfers it to their cores. The energy that workers expend becomes more evenly distributed, which reduces strain and stress on the muscles and joints.

Do soldiers use exoskeletons?

Army experts see exoskeletons as a promising way to improve soldier strength, endurance, and ergonomics safely and while reducing the risk of physical injury while lifting heavy loads, traversing challenging terrain, or carrying out repetitive motion.

Who invented the exoskeleton?

General Electric developed the first exoskeleton device in the 1960s. Called the Hardiman, it was a hydraulic and electrical bodysuit, however, it was too heavy and bulky to be of military use.

How are exoskeletons controlled?

Robotic exoskeletons or powered exoskeletons are considered wearable robotic units controlled by computer boards to power a system of motors, pneumatics, levers, or hydraulics to restore locomotion[1,2].

What is DRDO doing to build an augmentative exoskeleton for Indian Army?

DRDO has been progressing on the different design approaches to build an augmentative exoskeleton for the Indian Army. There have mainly been two schools of thought/approaches for the design of augmentative exoskeletons, namely passive/unpowered augmentative exoskeleton and powered augmentative exoskeleton.

How do exoskeletons work in the military?

Exoskeletons can be worn over a regular uniform or combat gear so that a soldier’s strength is fully augmented. And this helps in ensuring soldiers who are on patrol duty in high altitude terrains wear leg-gear which assists in walking in the snow.

Is DRDO working on exoskeleton technology?

DRDO has been doing RD on exoskeleton technology for several years now and is yet to field any operational technology in this field. In a bid to make the lives of soldiers safer and conducive, DRDO has been doing R&D on the exoskeleton technology for several years now. However, it is yet to field any operational technology in this field.

What is China’s use of exoskeleton suits amid border tensions?

While China, amid the border tensions, came out with military-grade exoskeleton suits which are powered and used for carrying ammunition. In late 2020, non-powered exoskeletons were used by the Chinese border defence troops for supporting operations like supply delivery, patrol etc.