When I think of exoskeletons my initial thoughts typically tend to go towards futuristic technologies featured in gaming titles such as Metal Gear Solid or Death Stranding. – The fact is though that while the technology might still be in its relative infancy, it is out there in the wild right now as I write this getting utilised in incredible ways.
For the US Air Force, however, it definitely seems that things are getting kicked up a notch as following a report via DefenceNews, images have appeared online showcasing Chief Master Sgt. Sean Storms moving a 3,500-pound shipping pallet on his own. Well, with the use of an incredibly potent exoskeleton as well.
US Air Force Showcases Incredible Exoskeleton Design
Now, I think it should be said that one man actually moving a 3,500-pound load is practically impossible under normal circumstances. In fact, the type of work showcased in this demonstration is usually conducted by five people. – With the help of one handy dandy exoskeleton, however, Chief Master Sgt. Sean Storms is capable of turning the work of those five into just one. – And just to put this weight into context, 3,500 lbs is around the same as a fully-grown adult male giraffe.
And make no bones about it, the work of an aerial porter (who regularly has to load and manage massively bulky objects like this) is no light work. As such, presuming that this technology can be deployed outside of the armed forces, this could completely revolutionise the air logistics industry. An industry which, incidentally, pays out over $31M a year in compensation to injured workers.
Other Practical Uses
As noted above, exoskeletons are certainly nothing new and especially so in terms of practical applications. The Japanese health care system, for example, has been using them for a number of years now for the safer moving and handling of elderly people. – Let’s be honest though, I daresay we’d all love to give this a try just to see what we could do with it.
Hell, I might actually be able to move a gaming chair box without ruining my back for the next 4 days!
What do you think? – Let us know in the comments!
