Australian Channel Nine news reports a major milestone in military exoskeleton use: 470 exosuits were purchased by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and will be gradually implemented for those who need them. The Apex 2 by HeroWear was tested by 23 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. This is the largest single order for military exoskeletons (number of units). The suits are envisioned to help with logistical tasks.
“My teams are building pallets, lifting passenger bags, and regularly twisting their bodies to manipulate cargo, which puts a significant strain on their bodies,” – Squadron Leader Jessica Sutherland of 23 Squadron, responsible for air and ground movements.
A vital point about exoskeleton use:
The above is the single-most-important concept about military or occupational exoskeletons. No one is trying to make people work harder or replace existing tools and equipment. However, some situations exist today and will continue to exist for decades to come at the current rate of automation, where people have to get directly involved. That is, where exoskeletons will always have a potential use (if they are a good fit for the task).The goal isn’t to create superhumans or substitute strength or endurance training. In collaboration with HeroWear, a train-the-trainer program was designed to use the exosuits appropriately and safely.
SABER
Last year, I wrote about the US Army testing the SABER. The project brought mass adoption of military exoskeletons one step closer to reality: link to the full article. The Apex2 is not the SABER but shares features from the original Apex and the SABER.
Not Australia’s First
In 2015, Australia’s Defense Science and Technology Organization Operations worked on its passive, soft exoskeleton designed to decrease the burden on dismounted infantry. According to the original article by Gizmodo UK, the average Australian soldier must carry equipment, weapons, and supplies weighing as much as 85kg. To put 85 kg in perspective, that is equivalent to carrying 280 cans of Coke to a party or three suits of plate mail armor with nothing underneath. That is a different application from the Apex2, a back support exo, but it demonstrates nearly a decade of interest in exo technology.
We’ve featured three HeroWear articles in as many weeks. Remember to submit your exoskeleton-related news through our news form: Submit News, or email me at hello@exoskeletonreport.com
References:
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New ‘exosuit’ giving Australian soldiers an extra edge, by Adam Vidler, 9News, https://www.9news.com.au/national/exo-suits-helping-defence-force-serve-more-safely-new-tech/966959fa-0046-4b66-88d3-982def97cd72
- New exosuit helps lighten the load, Australian Government Defense, link
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