Tata and DRDO Unveil Passive Exoskeleton for Soldiers, Significantly Enhancing Mobility and Operational Endurance in Combat

India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with DRDO has unveiled a groundbreaking Passive Exoskeleton designed to revolutionize soldier mobility and endurance on the battlefield. This innovative technology aims to alleviate the burden of carrying heavy combat loads across challenging terrains, a common obstacle faced by soldiers worldwide.

The Passive Exoskeleton provides crucial mechanical support to key joints like the knees, hips, and back, which bear the brunt of heavy loads. This targeted support system minimizes fatigue and the risk of injuries, enabling soldiers to operate more effectively in demanding environments.

One of the most significant advantages of this exoskeleton is its remarkable ability to transfer up to 75% of the load directly to the ground. This significantly reduces the effective weight carried by the soldier, leading to improved agility and reduced strain. By minimizing physical exertion, the exoskeleton not only enhances operational efficiency but also extends soldiers' endurance, allowing them to perform tasks for longer durations without requiring frequent rest.

During a recent demonstration, TASL showcased the exoskeleton's capabilities in various simulated combat scenarios. Soldiers equipped with the device performed a range of activities, including long marches, climbing, and crawling, all while carrying substantial combat loads. The exoskeleton proved its adaptability and effectiveness in diverse operational environments.

This development marks a significant step towards India's goal of achieving self-reliance in defence technology. It underscores the country's commitment to equipping its soldiers with cutting-edge tools to enhance their safety and operational effectiveness. Both TASL and DRDO are committed to further refining the exoskeleton, with plans to explore the integration of active components for even greater performance benefits in the future.

 

[beencensured]

DRDO does R&D, tata makes profits.

 

[Sunny]

Not just heavy loads, it will potentially allow troops to carry higher caliber weapons.

 

[Kira]

DRDO does R&D, tata makes profits.

That's how industry works, that's how DARPA works in the US and other advanced countries. Also, unlike the West, the private industry has only recently taken part in the defence sector and that too in a limited way due to the Government's too many restrictions and favouring of unproductive PSUs like OFBs, naval shipyards and HAL monopoly etc.

It will take private sector firms many decades to spend a substantial amount of their own money on R&D alone when they will finally be getting a large chunk of orders.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Not just heavy loads, it will potentially allow troops to carry higher caliber weapons.

Higher caliber weapon meaning?

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

What you are describing could be very useful, but no such system has yet left the lab. Battery technology has not yet reached the point where such a system could be viable.

Even passive exoskeletons can help grenadiers, howitzer loaders, and rocket loaders because they need a lot of pressure on their legs and spine. Any exoskeleton will transfer that load and protect them from injury and also help them handle that load without a problem.

Imagine loading 25-kilo shells all day for weeks of fighting and loading hundreds of rockets and firing scores of 150mm grenades. It's a lot of stress on the muscles. So 2-3 guys with this exoskeleton per team is a force multiplier. Since Tata has done it, expect to see it on the battlefield. I saw the Bofors team do a lot of warm-up before firing, meaning a lot of muscle power is needed.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Not just heavy loads, it will potentially allow troops to carry higher caliber weapons.

We don't expect Arnold type action in war. Exoskeletons are better for working in military warehouses and hangars where weapons need to be loaded, unloaded, and fitted to planes and vehicles.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Higher caliber weapon meaning?

High caliber weapons like Browning machine guns and Kord sniper rifles can be carried in 2 pieces by a 2-person team. I feel no need for an exoskeleton on open fields, snow, jungles, and deserts of Ladakh.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

DRDO does R&D, tata makes profits.

DRDO also makes the profits by selling the license of IP

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

High caliber weapons like Browning machine guns and Kord sniper rifles can be carried in 2 pieces by a 2-person team. I feel no need for an exoskeleton on open fields, snow, jungles, and deserts of Ladakh.

You mean just carrying the weapons, right? Might help in carrying them, yes, but India doesn't use 12.7 mm caliber on any significant scale. There is in fact a shortage of 7.62x51 mm machine guns.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

You mean just carrying the weapons, right? Might help in carrying them, yes, but India doesn't use 12.7 mm caliber on any significant scale. There is in fact a shortage of 7.62x51 mm machine guns.

This exoskeleton needs charging and you cannot run in battle wearing this. You don't carry a charger in the battlefield of Ladakh or Siachen or Jaisalmer. The best place I saw is hangars where Airmen lift the missiles to fit to planes or upload ammunition boxes and tank rounds to load tanks and missiles to rocket launchers. So not useful in an actual battlefield but very useful in backend support teams.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

This exoskeleton needs charging and you cannot run in battle wearing this. You don't carry a charger in the battlefield of Ladakh or Siachen or Jaisalmer. The best place I saw is hangars where Airmen lift the missiles to fit to planes or upload ammunition boxes and tank rounds to load tanks and missiles to rocket launchers. So not useful in an actual battlefield but very useful in backend support teams.

It says "passive", it's not powered and doesn't need charging. Just a harness sort of thing that reduces felt weight. Just some clever juggling of body mechanics...not HALO style. 😁

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

It says "passive", it's not powered and doesn't need charging. Just a harness sort of thing that reduces felt weight. Just some clever juggling of body mechanics...not HALO style. 😁

I see, I missed the passive part. In active battle, howitzer loading teams, grenadiers, and rocket teams would find use. The work behind from protected areas.

 

[Drhaze]

It says "passive", it's not powered and doesn't need charging. Just a harness sort of thing that reduces felt weight. Just some clever juggling of body mechanics...not HALO style. 😁

If we ever develop that. I want it named pratap.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

I see, I missed the passive part. In active battle, howitzer loading teams, grenadiers, and rocket teams would find use. The work behind from protected areas.

What you are describing could be very useful, but no such system has yet left the lab. Battery technology has not yet reached the point where such a system could be viable.