Human Universal Load Carrier Ready For Testing

[tomahawk6]

Interesting concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVS8C8QUh1A
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/08/universal-load-carrier-081410w/

Human Universal Load Carrier ready for tests

Lance M. Bacon - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Aug 15, 2010 11:42:32 EDT
 
Aside from the seriously cool acronym it boasts, Lockheed Martin’s Human Universal Load Carrier looks to revolutionize combat operations and medical care on the battlefield. Lockheed spokeswoman Heather Kelly said the exoskeleton suit represents the next-generation of technology being tested to help manage a soldier’s load. What you need to know:

• Easy to use. The untethered suit is battery powered and has an onboard microcomputer and hydraulically driven titanium legs configured to match the soldier’s movements. There are no remote-control inputs — it moves with you.

• Heavy lift. The exoskeleton transfers up to 200 pounds of weight off the soldier and onto the robotic legs. This enables a soldier to carry weaponry, supplies, ammo or wounded comrades for extended periods of time.

• All-terrain. The HULC is designed to operate in harsh environments and be able to move when and how a solider needs to move. Soldiers can walk, run, kneel, do squats and even crawl while wearing the gear.

• Ready for tests. The second phase of testing at the Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center will begin by year’s end. Biomechanical testing will measure energy expended by the user, and lab tests will assess how quickly users learn to use the system. This analysis will last eight weeks. Several additional units will enter field trials early next year.

• Like “super heroes.” It turns out HULC is not alone. Raytheon has an exoskeleton project called the XOS. According to the official website, the combination of sensors, actuators and controllers “is reminiscent of super heroes depicted in comic books and Hollywood movies.”

 

[REDinstaller]

Quite an interesting piece of kit. Wonder what kind of unit cost will be attached once in production?

 

[tomahawk6]

Cost will be around $25,000 I think. Maybe once in production it will drop a bit.

 

[REDinstaller]

Was there anything on how long the power unit will last between charges, or is it self sufficient?

 

[tomahawk6]

I found an article that said a fuel cell could be used on long patrols which allowed for fewer batteries to be needed.


http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2010/0120mfc-hulc.html

Orlando, FL, January 20th, 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has selected Protonex Technology Corporation to develop power supply concepts that will enable the HULC™ robotic exoskeleton to support 72+-hour extended missions. Protonex will evaluate fuel cell-based power solutions that can be carried by the HULC, while at the same time powering the exoskeleton and the user’s mission equipment during extended dismounted operations.

"Integrating state-of-the-art power technology on the HULC is a whole system approach to meeting the needs of dismounted Warfighters and Special Operations forces," said Rich Russell, director of Sensors, Data Links and Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “With proper power management systems, the HULC can be used to recharge critical equipment while carrying heavy combat loads on an extended mission."

Dismounted Soldiers often carry loads greater than 130 pounds, including electronics and numerous extra batteries needed to operate gear and complete 72+-hour operations in the field. The HULC, equipped with an extended mission power supply with recharge capability, would enable dismounted Soldiers on these missions to carry fewer batteries.

Protonex brings significant expertise in developing and manufacturing compact, lightweight and high-performance fuel cell systems for portable power applications in the 100 to 1000-watt range. The company’s fuel cell systems are designed to meet the needs of military, commercial and consumer customers for off-grid applications by providing customizable, stand-alone portable power solutions.

Lockheed Martin’s un-tethered HULC exoskeleton is an anthropomorphic, electro-hydraulic design that currently operates on lithium polymer batteries. An onboard micro-computer senses the user’s actions and ensures the exoskeleton moves in concert with the operator. The HULC design maintains combat flexibility, allowing deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting with minimal human exertion.

HULC is one of several technologies that Lockheed Martin is developing to support ground Soldiers. Lockheed Martin is a total systems solution provider to the military, including wearable situational awareness, a broad range of mobility assistance systems and power management systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

 

[REDinstaller]

That will be quite useful for gun groups to push their equipment and ammo forward without slowing the advance.

 

[tomahawk6]

I agree that this could be great for mortar sections or other heavy weapons squads.

Another video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ_qR8zCLDc&feature

 

[CougarKing]

Related older threads:

"Robotic Suit could usher super soldier era"

"US Army develops robotic suits"