It has finally happened: the global toy titan LEGO has released a minifigure-scale character wearing an exoskeleton! The Danish toymaker introduced wearable robotics to its minifigure universe with 71046 Series 26 Space Minifigures. This is a blind pack with one of 12 characters not included in other sets. The 5th figure in the collection, the M-Tron Powerlifter, wears an industrial exoskeleton to assist with logistical tasks.
M-Tron Powerlifter Minifigure
Released in May 2024, this collectible Minifigure features three main design features: a power claw that connects to a back-worn module with a visible gauge and bespoke-printed legs. To be fair, it is not entirely clear what the designers implied by the top part of the build. Is it a power glove exoskeleton like the IronHand by BioServo (now sold by Skelex) or a separate robotic end-effector? It is also unclear if the piece connecting the gripper to the backpack is meant to be soft like a power cable or Bowden cables or something more rigid like an arm support exo.
However, the printing on the Minifigure legs clearly depicts a gravity-compensating leg exoskeleton from both the side and front view. These type of exoskeletons are meant to offload the weight from the user and redirect it directly into the ground. This would make it easier to lift loads and handle heavier equipment. They are not too dissimilar from full-body exoskeletons and tool-holding ones from the past and present.
This collection is meant to be enjoyed by adults and children ages 4+ and is available globally. Even if one doesn’t get the M-Tron Powerlifter (these are sealed blind packs), each box has a mini-catalog showing all 12 possible builds in the series.
The Transportation and Search and Rescue Experts of the Galaxy
The LEGO Company couldn’t have picked a better theme to equip with an occupational than M-Tron. For decades, all LEGO space astronauts were explorers. That changed from 1987 to 1988, with the implementation of themes. M-Tron was on sale globally from 1990 to 1992. In Europe, they were marketed as the first theme responsible for logistics in space. It marked the introduction of openable crates and magnetic cranes. In the US, they were depicted more as search and rescue. Their bright red colors, access to new magnetized material handling, and utilization of crates and cranes made them suitable for either specialization. Typical of all space themes preceding it, M-Tron sets also employed humanoid robots as personal assistants. Whether search and rescue, field repairs, transportation, or logistics, LEGO could not have picked a better theme series to fit with their first powered exoskeleton!
Previous LEGO-related articles:
The LEGO Group Continues to Incorporate Wheelchairs; Will Exoskeletons Be Next? (one year later, we know the answer, “Yes, yes they did.”)
First Official LEGO Minifigure Wheelchair and Unofficial Exoskeleton, June 2016
Link to LEGO.com item 71046: https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/series-26-space-71046
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