The "second army of the world" scares with an exoskelet. Why in Russia there will not be a "supernshoot"
There are now two varieties of similar mechanisms - active and passive. Passive exoskelets are those that do not have their own energy source and work at the expense of the elasticity of materials or hydraulic systems. Active exoskelets are equipped with motors or servos driven by electronics or even neurotrops. Each type of device has its pros and cons. Passive exoskelets are simpler in design and cheaper in cost, but they are also less functional and effective.
They can facilitate the load on the muscles or increase the speed of movement at short distances, but cannot significantly increase the load capacity or duration of operation. Active exoskelets are more complex in design and more expensive, but they are also more functional and effective. They will help the fighter raise heavy objects, but require expensive service and long -term training, as well as constant charging. Russia has several developments in the field of military exoskelets.
For example, the Army-2021 Forum presented the first experimental sample of a combat exoskeleton with electric motors, which can enhance the physical capacity of a soldier and reduce the load on his body. Also in the Russian Federation will test exoskelets for artillerymen who will facilitate the load of shells. In addition, the Russian exoskeleton is included in the equipment of the "soldier of the future" and is called "Ratnik-3". It should finally bring to full functionality in 2025.
Rostech has been developing a "centurion" costume for the tenth year, which, according to the promises of engineers, should be able to stop the machine gun fifty caliber. But, according to Forbes, all these developments have been shown more than once at the exhibitions, but have never received full implementation. Difficulties are funding and technologies.
Even a simple basic passive exoskeleton requires the use of expensive titanium-type expensive materials and put many such exoskelets in the army is a very expensive task, especially against the background of Russia's famine and ready to send to the front, the T-54 tanks of 1946 were disconnected. Active exoskelets, in addition to expensive staffing parts, require the use of complex electronics and chips, with which a huge problem has arisen in Russia due to sanctions imposed on it.
Therefore, no effect, except for the propaganda, does not have to speak, notes the author of the article. The Pentagon is not actively promoting the idea of exoskelets for the military. One of these projects is Talos (Tactical Assault Light Operator Suitr), which involves the creation of a protective suit with an exoskeleton for special forces.
However, the project has not yet been completed because of technical difficulties related to the provision of rapid sensory response, difficult management of joint movements and insufficient energy efficiency. Another American project is Onyx from Lockheed Martin. It is the lower exoskeleton that supports the knees and thighs of the operator when walking or running on a uneven surface. Onyx uses artificial intelligence to analyze and adjust the movement of the operator.
However, this model has not yet appeared in the US military. Experts surveyed by Forbes say that if exoskelets have not yet found their use in military affairs because of the need to make unacceptable compromises, then in the civilian field they are a truly promising help. First of all, it is about helping people who are limited in moving. For example, in Israel, Rewalk Robotics has developed an exoskeleton of Rewalk, designed to help people with lower extremity paralysis.
Rewalk allows them to walk with crutches and a special control panel. In Australia, Rex Bionics has created an exoskeleton of the Rex, which is also intended for people with paralysis or limited mobility of the legs. Rex allows them to stand, walk and climb stairs with a joystick.
The author of the article notes that no matter how public the military of any of the countries, it should be understood that for all advantages a significant role is played by high cost, complexity of service, the need for training and adaptation of operators. One of the problems is the high cost of exoskelets, even with basic functions. And if a worldwide car manufacturer at his factory can provide simple exoskelets of his workers, then a huge financial expenses are in the entire army.
But the biggest problem of any exoskeleton is the restriction of the operator's actions. An instance has not yet been created in the world that would perfectly correlate with the capabilities of the human skeleton and muscles. And if for civilian needs it is possible to put up and compromise with this, then in military affairs, where it plays a role every second, it is unacceptable.
Therefore, as Forbes writes, no exoskeleton has been on the real battlefield for all the wealth of choosing development. Military experts also point out that exoskelets are still so imperfect that it is not pointless in the use of fronts now, since major fights are carried out with the help of rockets, artillery and drones. In this case, the exoskeleton will only interfere, limiting the mobility of the soldier.