Taiwan has unveiled a locally-developed exoskeleton suit designed to enhance soldiers’ physical endurance and mobility during military operations.
The 10-kilogram lower body mechanized suit could aid warfighters in carrying ammunition, rescuing wounded soldiers, and operating heavy weapons. It could also help troopers perform other strenuous tasks by reducing stress on their legs and hip joints.
Head developer Jen Kuo-Kuang said that Taiwanese soldiers must carry a lot of heavy equipment. Moving artillery and logistical supplies requires a great deal of manpower and physical strength.
“To reduce fatigue of soldiers… we started developing the powered suit,” he said, as quoted by South China Morning Post. “[It] can increase the mobility and efficiency of the troops in wartime and post-disaster rescue missions.”
A total of 105 soldiers have been selected to test the new equipment. The developers want to ensure that the suit fits the regular height and weight of Taiwanese soldiers.
‘Enhancing War Preparedness’
Developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the battery-powered suit provides torque to assist knee flexion and reduce the energy needed by soldiers when squatting, kneeling, or crossing terrain.
The equipment enables soldiers to move at six kilometers (3.7 miles) per hour while its lithium battery works for around six hours on a single charge.
For Taiwanese defense ministry spokesman Shih Shun-Wen, the mechanized suit could enhance the island’s military operational efficiency and war preparedness despite reports questioning Taiwan’s combat readiness.
An upgraded version of the suit is set to be developed next year. It would also provide support for the hips and enable troopers to carry 40 to 100 kilograms (88 to 220 pounds) of equipment.