After years of research and development, the U.S. Army is reinvigorating its efforts to create powered exoskeletons aimed at assisting soldiers in carrying heavy loads during combat. Though visions of futuristic combat suits resembling those seen in science fiction films remain a distant dream, recent evaluations of existing exoskeleton technology are underway.
At Fort Sill in Oklahoma, members of the Army’s 1-78 Field Artillery Battalion participated in a three-day trial featuring several commercially available exoskeleton systems. This trial, conducted under the oversight of the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), involved soldiers transporting artillery shells between various military vehicles while wearing exoskeleton harnesses. The goal of the evaluation was to explore how human augmentation could enhance soldier performance and determine whether these exoskeletons could meet operational requirements.
While officials have not disclosed the specific systems tested, the Army has previously announced intentions to contract with exoskeleton manufacturer SUITX to explore augmentation technologies for soldiers. The aim is to enhance endurance and strength, especially crucial for troops carrying loads of approximately 140 pounds into combat.
Despite this recent push, DEVCOM representatives cautioned that the military has not yet defined how powered exoskeletons could be effectively integrated into operations. There is currently no formal requirement for the adoption or deployment of these devices, highlighting ongoing uncertainties regarding their practical application.
The Army’s interest in exoskeletons is not new; it has pursued such technologies for decades. The idea traces back to the Cold War era when the Pentagon sought "a power-operated mechanical suit" to augment soldiers’ capabilities. Previous attempts to create a “servo-soldier” have encountered numerous setbacks, from the bulky designs of the 1960s to the more ambitious Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) initiative, which was halted due to technical challenges and integration issues.
In recent years, the Army has shifted focus towards developing exoskeletons primarily for logistics and support roles rather than direct combat applications. This strategic pivot aligns with broader military trends emphasizing soldier lethality and efficiency, particularly in light of evolving threats from advanced adversaries like Russia and China.
The current trials of exoskeleton technology reflect a cautious approach by the Army, with an eye on practical solutions that can alleviate physical burdens for troops without delving into overly ambitious combat applications. With ongoing experimentation, the Pentagon is examining whether robotic assistance can provide tangible benefits to soldiers in the field.
While projects aimed at creating futuristic armored suits seem dormant, the potential remains for exoskeletons to evolve into vital tools for modern warfare logistics, perhaps paving the way for more sophisticated designs in the future.
