How Exoskeletons Will Change the World
Imagine you are an insect.
Jump little fritter. A grasshopper, green as grass. You blend into the lush wildlife, small and unassuming within your cover in the bushes. A green exoskeleton allows for camouflage, powerful hind legs for leaping into the air, loud noises to attract mates.
You jump once, high into the air, wind in your face, then again, feeling the rigorous sense of flight. You rub your forewings against your hind legs. The discernible noise of the grasshopper song plays with a whirling melody.
Gravity is no longer a force acted upon you, for you are a grasshopper. Higher than the beatles, higher than the ants, than the scorpions, than the black widows. You are a grasshopper. One of locusts and swarms, songs and famine. Above all else. You spread your wings and start to soar…
But you stop. Land. Go silent. For in front of you lies the settlers of your land. A human. Gods amongst the insect kingdom. Endoskeletons and massive in size; even their youth is larger than your eldest grasshopper. Their structures seem to grow larger and larger every day. They seem to grow larger and larger every day.
A thump. The human picks up a newspaper. Curls it. Heads towards you. You’ve heard stories of humans killing grasshoppers. But you’ve never seen it in real life. And now, it’s hurtling right towards you, its laser sight pointed straight in your direction.
A bang. The newspaper hits you with the force of the gods. Dazed and confused, you stumble along. You try to jump. But you can’t.
Your leg is trapped by the newspaper.
This is it. This is where it all ends.
You close your eyes, expecting the end.
But fate won’t allow it.
Autotomy. You start to shed your hind legs. They will never grow back, but at this point, you don’t care. You need to survive.
You are finally free from the newspaper. But your legs aren’t. Your life will forever be hindered by the loss of your hind legs, but there were no other options. You have barely escaped with your life.
Without an exoskeleton, you would have died.
This is Bionics.
Bionics, in its simplest terms, is the combination of technology and biology. It is the science of building mechanisms based on nature and the world given to us.
Through bionics, scientists are able to convert millions of years of evolution into a single piece of machinery. They essentially mimic nature in order to find new ideas and innovations.
After all, when humans are out of ideas, we turn to the world around us.
Bionics may be hard to picture, but there are so many examples of it out in our world. Walking down the street, you might see a person with a hearing aid. On a boat, you might feel the hull that imitates the skin of a dolphin. In hospitals, you might use ultrasound imaging that mimics animal echolocation. Prosthetic arms and legs, bionic eyes, even an invisibility cloak. Bionics are everywhere, and they are building upon the future of nature.
So how does this apply to an exoskeleton? After all, exoskeletons are simply external skeletons found in invertebrates (animals without backbones) and insects, like our grasshopper friend.
Not exactly.
Exoskeletons are also this:
And this:
And this:
Exoskeletons are no just longer found in the smallest of creatures. They can be found in humans, in innovation, and soon enough, they will change the world.
So what exactly is an exoskeleton?
To our legless grasshopper, an exoskeleton is a skeleton that exists on the outside, allowing for protection, camouflage, and a certain structure in muscles. The exoskeleton can even act like a raincoat, keeping insects from getting too dry or wet.
But for the world of technology, for you and me, exoskeletons are wearable devices that work in tandem with their user. Your actions are able to control the robot with you directly benefiting from it. Exoskeletons are essentially the complete opposite of an autonomous robot, which is a robot that performs tasks without human control.
Exoskeletons are meant to increase or restore human ability. Take Iron Man, a very popular influence when it comes to the world of exoskeletons and bionics. His suit is able to lift dozens of tons, protect himself against bullets, and even give Tony Stark the ability of flight.
The future of exoskeletons even seems to be pointed in this direction, with the US military and the USSOCOM searching for ways to make the Iron Man suit a reality.
But despite the potential of Iron Man armor, exoskeletons are meant for so much more than repulsor blasts and the thrill of flight. So much more than the ability to walk amongst gods in your pursuit to save the world.
They are meant to help people.
Exoskeletons are giving paralyzed people the chance to walk. They are supporting nurses in their sleepless shifts, helping people suffering from strokes. Assistive robots are aiding older citizens, wearable robotics are helping patients with multiple sclerosis or osteoarthritis.
Aerospace manufacturing, coal mining, solar installation, nursing, doctors, soldiers: these careers are filled with people risking their lives for the benefit of society.
But with the help of exoskeletons, that risk will go down.
Exoskeletons will make their lives that much better.
Exoskeletons will change the world.
Imagine a world without history.
There’s no doubt; exoskeletons will change the world. But to understand the potential future that such a device holds, we first must look towards its past.
After all, bionics takes inspiration from both nature and pop culture, so when studying exoskeletons, it’s important to know where such inspiration is derived from.
Diania Cactiformis, or the “walking cactus”, might have been the first animal to have an exoskeleton. Killed 520 million years ago, its fossil was only found somewhat recently, in 2006. Arthropods like the walking cactus evolved their exoskeleton in response to a rise in predation around 540 million years ago.
Today, thanks to evolution, our world is filled with millions of insects that are protected by their exoskeletons.
Now before fiction, before the great minds of writing could come up with such an idea as the exoskeleton, Nicholas Yagin created the first exoskeleton-like device in 1890. A set of assisted apparatus, it used compressed gas bags to aid in movement, but still required human power. In 1917, Leslie C. Kelley built the pedometer, which allowed energy in the exoskeleton to be generated apart from the user, using artificial ligaments working in parallel to its wearer.
In 1919, The Master Mystery, a serial film with stars like Harry Houdini, featured the exoskeleton, being the first film ever to feature such a device. Many years later, in 1967, The Ambushers was the next feature film to showcase the mighty exoskeleton, and while the movie has almost nothing to do with exoskeletons, there’s a scene in the movie which showcases a man transporting barrels of beer, all thanks to the extra power given from the device.
The powered armor was first seen in literature in 1937, through E. E. Smith’s Lensman series, a science fiction hexology about power-hungry aliens and mind powers. In this series, the exoskeleton gave its users an energy screen and flight. One of the most famous versions of the powered exoskeleton was in Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein in 1959. In Starship Troopers, the exoskeleton was an armored suit worn by soldiers and has gone on to be showcased in anime, films, games, and toys.
The Lensman landed, and made his way to Harkleroy’s inner office in what seemed to be an ordinary enough, if somewhat over-size, suit of light space-armor. But it was no more ordinary than it was light. It was a power-house, built of dureum a quarter of an inch thick. Kinnison was not walking in it; he was merely the engineer of a battery of two-thousand-horsepower motors. Unaided, he could not have lifted one leg of that armor off the ground.
-Children of the Lens (1947) by E. E. Smith
In comics, some of the most popular exoskeleton users include Battalion from Image Comics, as well as Iron Man and Apocalypse, both from Marvel Comics. Samus’s Power Suit from the Metroid video game franchise, developed in 1986, allows her to jump massive distances, breathe underwater or in space, and access a number of offensive weapons, such as grapple hooks, bombs, flamethrowers, and missiles.
The first true exoskeleton was built by General Electric and the US Armed Forces in the 1960s. Called the Hardiman, the suit was powered through the usage of compressed water and motors, amplifying the user’s strength by a factor of 25. At the same time, lower-body exoskeletons were being built in Yugoslavia by Professor Miomir Vukobratovic and his team, meant to assist in the rehabilitation of a spinal cord injury called paraplegics.
In 1986, Monty Reed, a US Army Ranger who had broken his back in a parachute accident, created an exoskeleton called the Lifesuit, inspired by Robert Heinlein and his Starship Troopers novel. Reed even claims to have beaten the speed record for walking in a robot suit at 4 km/h in a 4.8-kilometer race.
So why study history? Why think about the past when we should be thinking about the future?
Understanding history allows us to understand how such events made things the way they are today. All around us, we can see the inspiration that led to the dawn of the exoskeleton.
And today, we have the walking cactus, movies, books, comics, and video games to help us understand the past of the exoskeleton, and hopefully, the potential that it has for the future.
Don’t Imagine. Know.
There are quite a lot of exoskeletons, but when it comes down to it, they can be categorized into two main ways: passive and active.
There is one main difference between the passive and active exoskeleton.
Power.
Passive exoskeletons, also known as mechanical exoskeletons, do not use any sort of power source, instead, they rely on elastic materials to store energy and release it. Some passive exoskeletons may even shift the weight from one part of the body (such as the shoulders) to a different part (like the core) to reduce strain and increase endurance.
Active exoskeletons, also known as powered or electrical exoskeletons, use force through electric motors, compressed gas, or compressed water to provide an extra boost of strength to its user.
The thing that separates exoskeletons from other pieces of technology is the interaction between the user and the device. Exoskeletons can even be classified through their user-machine interface, due to the importance of a system’s control.
The aspect of interaction can be separated into two interactions: cHRI and pHRI. cHRI relates to the cognitive Human-Robot Interaction, which is how the user controls the mechanism. pHRI relates to the physical Human-Robot Interaction, which is the applied forces between the user and the exoskeleton. You can view cHRI as your thoughts, and pHRI as your movement.
Robot exoskeletons relate to a user’s three main modules: sense, decision, and execution. The sensing module acquires information from the user, the decision module interprets the information and organizes it, and the execution module provides mechanical power.
This might be a little hard to understand.
Imagine you’re playing a board game like Monopoly. The last time you played, you didn’t set up the game pieces properly. So now, when you try to set up the game, all you have is a jumble of cards, tokens, and houses. How do you start the game?
First, you read the instruction manual. You learn how to win, and acquire other information on how this would be possible. This would be your sensing module, acquiring information from the instructions.
Now that you know how to start the game, you must set up the game itself. So you place your tokens at the starting square, place the Chance and Community Chest cards, and divide the cash properly. This would be your decision module, interpreting what you read in the manual and organizing the game to play properly.
Finally, with everything set into place, you throw the dice and move your pieces. This would be the execution module, only this time, you move the pieces using your own applied forces instead of mechanical ones.
Now, the flowchart looks a little bit like this:
Now to actually gain information from the user, the exoskeleton must understand both the cHRI and the pHRI.
To acquire information for the cHRI, it is possible to learn from signals such as EMGs (which evaluate and record properties of muscles), EEGs (which monitor brain waves), and EOGs (which monitor eye movement). This can be done through sensors placed on the muscles, eyes, and head.
Acquiring information for the pHRI is quite different. Instead of signals, the exoskeleton must gain information about kinematics and kinetic information.
In short, kinematics is the study of motion without forces, including acceleration, velocity, time, and displacement. Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is the forces in play throughout the act of motion. An exoskeleton must take both of these into account when in motion.
Some examples of technology that can be used to gain information for the pHRI are a potentiometer, used to measure displacement, or a strain gauge, which converts the applied force into an electrical signal.
It is through these different types of sensing pHRI and cHRI that the exoskeleton can interpret the user’s intended actions and what they wish to do.
Once the exoskeleton knows what the user wishes to do, it must move. There are a number of ways to do so, but the main three are hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators.
Water, air, and electrical.
A hydraulic actuator uses a cylinder filled with fluid to increase the force upon an object. Try squeezing water until it actually compresses. If anything, you would have only ruined the bottle that the water was in. This is because liquids are almost impossible to compress, and therefore, can exert a large amount of force.
Pneumatic actuators are devices that use compressed gas to move an object. Much like a hydraulic actuator, it exerts a large force upon an object with more and more gas.
An electrical actuator converts electricity into a force. Electrical actuators can be found in electric motors, jackscrews, and more.
These actuators can be found close to joints on the exoskeleton. This allows for more power upon such joints, and in some cases, creates movement where there was previously none.
In the end, the exoskeleton must run through three modules: sense, decision, and execution. It is through these modules that we can see pHRI and cHRI, as well as the actuators required to move the exoskeleton.
This is Construction.
Construction is dangerous.
The safety hazards, labor shortages, poorly written contracts, exposure to mold and fungi, extreme temperatures, pain from physical exertion. There are 1,000 construction deaths every year, and even more that ruin the rest of their lives due to muscle strain. All of this is preventable.
Preventable with an exoskeleton.
There are so many exoskeleton products that are made to specifically assist construction workers in their dangerous work.
The Ironhand Power Gloves are gloves that help those with weakness or issues grasping tools. The glove has sensors that track the user’s movement. When the user is about to grip an item, the glove increases the strength of the hand, allowing for easier work throughout the construction site.
Picking up heavy items is terrible for your back. This especially applies to construction workers, who must carry heavy objects as a part of their career. The V3 BackX exoskeleton fits around the shoulders, back, and waist to reduce strain on the back while lifting heavy items. The device is a passive exoskeleton and works well with its user’s natural movements. Some back support exoskeletons are even able to correct posture while lifting objects.
Ever wanted to sit in the middle of a long day? Construction workers go through hours of hard manual labor every day, sometimes with little time to rest. The Chairless Chair 2.0 is an exoskeleton meant to lock in place, reducing pressure and strain on legs. The device allows construction workers to “sit” while doing strenuous work, helping productivity, efficiency, and most importantly, safety.
Construction work is filled with dangerous hazards that may change a person’s life. Through all the deaths and safety hazards, exoskeletons shine, providing productivity and employment opportunities, as well as reducing injuries and long-term strain.
Maybe one day, construction workers all over the world will have access to these incredible pieces of technology.
Just like that grasshopper, their lives may depend on it.
This is War.
On the splitting fast movement of the battlefield, soldiers have to be ready for anything. They have to be fast, strong, and smart if they want to survive throughout war. However, some soldiers are only given a few months of training before being deployed out onto the battlefield.
And with the power of superhuman abilities and weaponry, there is little doubt as to what some people are choosing to do with such technology.
The US army’s most recent exoskeleton, the SABER, also known as the Soldier Assistive Bionic Exosuit for Resupply, is expected to be deployed in 2023. This passive exoskeleton is a lightweight accessory that soldiers can wear to reduce back pain. According to the U.S. Army Public Health Center, 460 soldiers are diagnosed with back injuries everyday. So yes, the military is choosing to solve the problem of back pain before super suits.
The USSOCOM, or US Special Operations Command, are going in the opposite direction. The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit is a powered exoskeleton, meant to provide soldiers with the power required on the battlefield, attempting to replicate Iron Man and his suit of armor.
The US Military has also purchased the Guardian XO, an exoskeleton with forklift arms powered by batteries. Meant to optimize construction and shipyards in the military, the suit provides 20x strength and strain by offloading all of the weight.
During the hard conditions of war, there is no doubt that militaries are searching for a way to devastate the battlefield, and exoskeletons are possibly the way to do it. No matter the ethics, it’s clear to see that militaries are creating innovations within bionics.
But let’s hope they never have to use it.
Exoskeletons aren’t perfect.
Exoskeletons will change the world. There’s no doubt about that.
But despite the recent advances and incredible potential found in the exoskeleton, not just anybody can walk into the protection of an exoskeleton suit.
Exoskeletons are expensive. Some can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, not including annual maintenance and training costs. Some patients need this exoskeleton to walk, but can’t afford it due to the high cost of the therapy.
Due to the materials and robotics used, it’s hard to see the exoskeleton ever becoming cheap enough to lead the market.
The current exoskeleton does not provide comfort and speed to its wearer. Its rigid and jointed body may lead to fatigue and discomfort within its user.
The exoskeleton may increase the user’s strength, but due to this reason, rigid and powered exoskeletons actually use quite a lot of effort to actually move. In some exoskeletons, the fatigue compared between an exoskeleton user and a non-user is nearly the same, despite the same tasks being performed.
To be viable in multiple areas of the field, the exoskeleton must be natural in its movements, working perfectly in tandem with its user.
Even if the current exoskeleton could support the human body perfectly, rigid exoskeletons have an issue concerning their battery. The current technology of the exoskeleton can only provide around 30 minutes of operating time.
This requires larger batteries, which in turn means a heavier weight and more space. Other sources of power generation contain other problems that would also need to be solved, whether it is engines or fuel cells.
To improve the exoskeleton in this issue, the world of technology would have to advance in batteries, motors, and joints, some of which may never see the light of day on an exoskeleton.
There are disadvantages to the exoskeleton. Disadvantages that are sure to slow down the innovation and future of exoskeletons.
Exoskeletons are expensive. They are rigid and hard to control. Issues with engines come to mind.
But once we move past these, there will be little to stop exoskeletons from changing the world.
More than human.
The grasshopper was created with an exoskeleton. It evolved through millions of years, gaining the exoskeleton that protects it today.
Humans were never given an exoskeleton.
The debate over technology has fueled the hearts of many for decades. With each new innovation, there are people who doubt its future. Self-driving cars might kill innocents, AI will take over people’s jobs, increased lifespan might lead to more depression and mental illnesses. Blockchain questions privacy, cryptocurrency questions central authority, AGI questions humans.
This is no different from bionics. Nor is it different with exoskeletons.
Exoskeletons bring us beyond humankind. No longer strapped to the seat of our own abilities, exoskeletons allow us to be stronger, faster, better. And in some cases, that means we are no longer human.
Exoskeletons are expensive. Expensive as a luxury car. Only the richest people will be able to afford such a device. This means more power to the rich, and more social justice issues along the way.
In war, the richest countries will continue to thrive with “Iron Man” level suits, while poorer countries will continue to dive into poverty. But is this different from any other innovation? Should we limit human potential despite this social hierarchy already affecting everything we do?
In construction, exoskeletons will make workers stronger, more powerful. But more strength and endurance leads to more hours and work, less pay and less time with family. If we become more than human, does it mean we will be treated less human? Will we gain the same benefits if we are not suffering as much?
Do exoskeletons provide an unfair advantage in the many playing fields of life? In work, in school, in sports, exoskeletons will change what we do and how we do it. But those who can’t afford an exoskeleton will be left behind in the dust. So do we ban exoskeletons? Or encourage them?
What is a human? Is it the brain? The heart? The soul? Or the body?
Or is it everything combined?
Are we still humans if our body is different? More powerful? Are we still humans if we become more than human?
There’s no doubt that exoskeletons will change how we perceive ourselves and the word human. Because with exoskeletons, we will be more than human. More than our ancestors, more than anything that came before us.
So ask yourself this…
Should we be more than human? Or should we stay as we are?
Evolution or regression?
You tell me.
Imagine you are an insect.
Jump little fritter. A human, standing tall amongst the animals that share our world. You can’t blend into the lush wildlife; you can’t hide within the bushes. A soft body leads to injury, biological limits to a lack of ability. You could make loud noises to attract mates, but that wouldn’t work as well as a grasshopper.
Have you ever been on an airplane? Down below, we seem insignificant, insects amongst humans, mortals amongst gods. Up there, even the most powerful human might be seen as an insect. And in the grand scope of time, that might be exactly what we are.
Insects were given an exoskeleton. Humans weren’t.
The debate of whether we should stay as we are or should become greater is not going to be solved by this article. It might stay unsolved forever. But in that time, the world of bionics will have innovations. Humanity will have innovations.
At some point, we might be trapped like the small, unassuming grasshopper. At some point, we might need an exoskeleton to save our lives.
Because innovation is coming. Change is coming.
And exoskeletons…
They’re going to change the world.
