Kratos M1 military exoskeleton turns ordinary soldiers into great warriors

Physical strength of soldiers is the resource we look up to during wars and law enforcements. But sometimes physical limitations can restrict human strength and endurance and might stand in the way of victory.If there was something that could help soldiers make movements using lesser energy it would be really beneficial. Keeping this in mind Australian Industrial designer Dene Huntley has come up with a full scale design of military powered exoskeleton called “The Kratos M1.” Kratos means strength in Greek and the suit would help soldiers to go beyond human capabilities.

KratosM1

Several advanced technologies would be interacting together through this augmented suit. The applications of this suit could also include situations like law enforcements, constructions, emergency and catastrophic state of affairs. The Kratos M1 suit would allow the user to lift massive weight of scale around 200kgs for long time. This could also allow soldiers to move faster for longer period of time. This is achieved through hydraulic systems that sense muscle movements and help by sharing the load. Kratos has sensors all along the suit that respond to changes in pressure and neurological impulses precisely. This precision in sensing helps in making movements effortless and natural.

The suit is made of high strength composite materials just like a stealth fighter plane. The material used for construction is G5 aerospace grade titanium alloy combined with carbon fiber. The structure is then toughened with the help of polymer Kevlar composite. It is obvious that the skeleton has to be very strong to be able to assist a soldier in high strength activities for longer period of time. These materials are very light and durable. These characteristics are very desirable when we are talking about a combat suit. This would provide unbreakable protection to the soldiers in time of a battle.

Various joints like shoulder joints, hip joints, knee joints, etc. are provided in the suit to ensure maximum flexibility for the soldiers. The 360 degree flexibility in the shoulder is achieved through three pivot points that are powered by servo actuators. The hip servo in the suit is responsible for walking and running. This section is equipped with high pressure hydraulics to facilitate lifting massive weight. The knee joint features hybrid drive system and hydraulics combined together. This would allow the soldier to run faster than humans for a longer duration.

The designer has tried to make the suit very minimalistic so that it could be slim and portable. The suit can easily fit in the soldier’s backpack. The suit would fit anyone between 155cms to 195cms with the help of adjustable limb segments. The hands and legs can be extended up to 20cms and 40cms respectively. With the help of advanced power unit this suit would run for five straight days. All of this looks promising and would definitely aid soldiers for better performance without exerting as much as they do now. The soldiers can remain under missions for longer time and accomplish task in lesser time. With all this they have no or very slim chances of failing.

Source: Denehuntley