You don’t have to be a world class bodybuilder to lift two-times your body weight. All you need are these wearable exoskeletons. One caveat: all of them are priced out of reach for most individuals. Continue reading to see five of the coolest that have made it beyond the concept stage.
5. Kid’s Walker
Though not as sophisticated as the XOS 2, the Kid’s Walker “was developed in response to so many children requesting rides in the much larger Land Walker.” Unfortunately, this won’t be hitting stores anytime soon, but you’re free to build your own version of this, should you have the necessary tools and skills.
4. Skeletonics
While the Skeletonics exoskeleton won’t give you superhuman strength, it is definitely capable of putting on quite a show. Currently, the project is still a work-in-progress and does not have the exterior armor installed yet.
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3. HAL-5
Some robots never get old, they just get better, and so it is with the Hal-5. This robot exoskelton allows anyone who wears it, the potential to lift up to 5-times the weight they normally could. It works “by sensing weak electrical impulses from muscles via electrodes on operator’s skin and sending them to the onboard computer which in turn analyzes them and activates corresponding servos of the suit, mimicking wearer’s motions.” Available now for lease, priced at $15,000 per month.
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2. Raytheon Heavy Lifter
Have you always wanted a real-life, fully-functional version of the Aliens Powerloader, then look no further than the Raytheon heavy lifter. This robot “could help with rescue operations to quickly clear debris and find survivors.” Beyond that, Raytheon’s arms would also require very little training, as you don’t need to learn which buttons or knobs do what – you just move your arms like you would, and are even provided with some force feedback so that you’re feeling what the ‘bot arms do.
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1. XOS 2
Raytheon unveils their second-generation XOS 2 exoskeleton suit, which “is lighter, stronger and faster than its predecessor, yet it uses 50 percent less power, and its new design makes it more resistant to the environment.” The XOS 2 does the lifting for its operator, reducing both strain and exertion. It also does the work faster. One operator in an exoskeleton suit can do the work of two to three soldiers.
