Powered Exoskeleton

Powered Exoskeletons

A powered exoskeleton, also known as powered armor, exoframe, or exosuit, is a mobile machine consisting primarily of an outer framework (akin to an insect's exoskeleton) worn by a person, and a powered system of motors or hydraulics that delivers at least part of the energy for limb movement.

The main function of a powered exoskeleton is to assist the wearer by boosting their strength and endurance.

The first models and applications on Pre Astro Earth were designed for military use, to help soldiers carry heavy loads both in and out of combat. In civilian areas, similar exoskeletons were developed and used help firefighters and other rescue workers survive dangerous environments. The medical field is another prime area for exoskeleton technology, where it can be used for enhanced precision during surgery, or as an assist to allow nurses to move heavy patients. [1]

The Smithsonian Museum on Earth exhibits Working prototypes of powered exoskeletons, including the XOS by Sarcos, and HULC[ by Lockheed Martin (both meant for military use) from the early 21st century Exoskeleton.jpg

Powered Exoskeletons have been in use with other civilizations as well, but few made such extensive use

United Earth begun to call them Exo Frames and were the predecessors of the Union Battle Suit programs from the early Hercules Exo Frames over the famous Fat Man Series, Army Battle Walkers and culminating in the Quasimodo and Atlas Battle suits [2]

The large Battle Walkers and of course the Megaman program was   different from a powered exoskeleton in that these systems were much larger than a normal human body, and was not directly enhancing the motion or strength of the physical limbs. Instead the human operator occupied a cabin or pilot's control seat inside a small portion of the larger system.

Modern Battle suits (until the Atlas Series) are also no longer technically an Exo Frame as the being inside wears a small lightweight exoskeleton that serves as a haptic control interface for the much larger exterior appendages.





[1] The use of powered exoskeletons in the medical field was only short lived and completely replaced by med bots robotic surgical robots and Auto Docs.

[2] The Atlas battle suit program was the last battle suit that could trace its development to the Exo Frames and Exoskeletons. The last such power suit was phased out of Union Service in 5200. After that the Tyron class suits were introduced to all branches of Union Armed services.