{"id":21687,"date":"2015-07-21T15:00:19","date_gmt":"2015-07-21T05:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/?p=21687"},"modified":"2015-07-21T10:19:46","modified_gmt":"2015-07-21T00:19:46","slug":"the-wonder-of-exoskeletons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/the-wonder-of-exoskeletons\/","title":{"rendered":"The wonder of exoskeletons"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a><\/p>\n Despite the best efforts of commanders, military operations do result in fatalities and serious injuries. ADF service in Afghanistan since 2001 has sadly resulted in 41 personnel killed in action. A further 262 ADF personnel have been wounded. Some requiring amputations are permanently confined to a wheelchair as are others due to spinal cord injury and neurological conditions affecting gait.<\/p>\n While prosthetic limbs give amputees some walking mobility and manipulative options, what about those consigned to wheelchairs for life? Although stem cell research is offering hope for the future, are there any options available for those disabled veterans today?<\/p>\n At ASPI\u2019s Future Force Structure Options for Army Conference<\/em> on 25 June 2015, Chief of Army LTGEN Angus Campbell stated<\/a> the second of Army\u2019s priorities\u2014support for wounded, injured and ill ADF veterans\u2014he would now be glad to know there are some options for wheelchair-bound veterans.<\/p>\n Exoskeletons are ready\u2010to\u2010wear, battery\u2010powered robots that are strapped over the user’s clothing, enabling individuals to achieve mobility, strength, and endurance not otherwise possible.<\/p>\n Development of biomechanical exoskeletons has been funded for both military and civilian purposes in recent years. The military seek to enable the combat soldier to carry heavier loads faster and longer. For example, Raytheon-Sarcos\u2019s XOS2 suit allows users to lift<\/a> heavy objects at an actual-to-perceived-weight ratio of 17:1 i.e. a 255kg load only feels like 15kg to the wearer.<\/p>\n Asked about Australia\u2019s research into this technology, the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) responded:<\/p>\n \u2018Exoskeletons are emerging as a promising option for extending the range of performance and reducing the risk to Defence personnel in the conduct of their operational role. DSTG is tracking the development of those powered systems that could mature into practical solutions for the ADF but is not actively developing its own powered exoskeleton. However, DSTG is currently investigating passive exoskeleton technology for reducing the load burden of backpacks.\u2019<\/p><\/blockquote>\n In the rehabilitation sphere, bionic suits offer wheelchair users with lower limb disabilities assistance to stand up and walk again.<\/p>\n Permanent wheelchair users are at risk of developing numerous medical complications from extended periods of sitting. Research is establishing that by enabling them to spend more time standing, walking and exercising, they should gain significant health benefits\u2014including decreased pain; improved bowel and bladder function; decreased body fat; better mental health; improved sleep and reduced fatigue; better cardiovascular performance; good maintenance of joint range; and a reduction in common abdominal problems and prescription drug use.<\/p>\n Rex Bionics (New Zealand and also now UK) pioneered the REX Robot that enhances the mobility of wheelchair users. It was founded in Auckland by two robotics engineers with first-hand experience of wheelchair users and their needs. One of their customers is Gareth Herridge, who has a C4 spinal Injury. He has said \u2018it didn\u2019t take me as long as I thought it would to learn how to use REX and when I moved the joystick and stood it felt quite natural. The main benefit to me is getting a full range of movement in my legs, I get a good stretch from REX when I move forwards, backwards and sideways\u2019.<\/p>\n