I know this is pretty strictly a gaming hardware site, but sometimes I read stuff that is just so damn cool that there is no way in hell I can do without sharing. This guy Rex Jameson of Utah-based robotics firm Sarcos Inc. helped develop a 150-lb ‘exoskeleton’ suit that amplifies human strength and endurance up to 20 times. Jameson recently demonstrated the exoskeleton’s capabilities by performing hundreds of repetitions with the bar (45lb probably) of a weight set. The exoskeleton is controlled by the movements of the user, which are recognized and immediately enhanced.

The project is the subject of a U.S. Army contract, implying that the finalized suit or some version of it will be used for military purposes (Ed’s note: BADASS!).

“Everybody likes the idea of being a superhero, and this is all about expanding the capabilities of a human,” said the suit’s chief designer, Stephen Jacobsen.

Sarcos Inc. was purchased by Raytheon Company in 2007. Raytheon is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. This whole project is serious business, even though Sarcos Inc. endeavors in slightly less human robotics, like the dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios.

Further development of the suit and application into the military are currently limited by cost and power. The batteries incorporated on the suit are only capable of providing power for 30 minutes, which is certainly not long enough to fly with a couple of F22 Raptors and shoot tanks and stuff. Why the company is not using a mini-arc reactor like Tony Stark is unknown, but that would seem to be the obvious solution.

We will definitely be keeping our eyes on this one. Hollywood!

Source: CNN

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