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The latest Russian combat exoskeleton. What Russian soldiers in an exoskeleton are capable of

The latest Russian combat exoskeleton. What Russian soldiers in an exoskeleton are capable of

New modern technologies fill our lives with amazing inventions and gadgets. Every day we use household appliances that were previously considered nothing more than science fiction. The Internet, smartphones, cars filled with sensors and autopilot are things and phenomena that are familiar to us and brighten up our lives. It turns out that the military industry is driving the technological progress of human evolution. For example, the microwave oven was first available to the military, and then the civilian population of the planet learned about it. Satellites, computers and much more have entered our lives. A military exoskeleton will soon become available to us.

What are we talking about?

After reading the last paragraph, many were surprised or even scared by the word “exoskeleton”. Don’t panic, let’s figure it out and decide what kind of “beast” this is and why it is needed.

The exoskeleton is the latest unique development of scientists in such a field of science as biomechanics. The technology is manufactured in the form of an external frame system that is designed to enhance the muscular strength of a human or android robot. This term was taken from biology. It refers to the superficial skeleton of invertebrate organisms. In the future, such technology will eliminate physical limitations in human life, as well as in the use of mechanisms. Military technology and its needs have once again exceeded all expectations. They say that in 5-6 years the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation will have special-purpose equipment.

You have already understood and guessed that the development of exoskeletons is the area of ​​interest of the Ministry of Defense. After all, such a development will increase the capabilities and physical abilities of a soldier. In the future, they want to use these technologies on spacecraft, as well as in machines for diving to extreme depths for research.

How did it all begin?

The military exoskeleton has become commonplace in the fantasy world. We have seen such devices in video games, movies and cartoons, but these “suits” have only recently been developed. The very first one was introduced to the world by American military technologies in the 60s of the twentieth century. But it was so heavy and immobile that the possibility of its actual use had to be ruled out. General Electric and United States Military closed the project after failing to achieve positive results. Samples that have been successfully used have appeared recently. The exoskeleton has proven itself positively Russian production. Other countries are also developing costumes: the USA, Israel, Japan. What powers do you think are competing with each other in this development? The honor of bearing the name “military exoskeleton” has so far been awarded to the developments of the USA and the Russian Federation!

"Exosuit" today

An exoskeleton is found in various games: “Stalker”, “Warface”, “Starcraft”, “Crisis” and others. But in reality, these suits are just being developed. In our country, this new product is being developed by the Mechanics Research Institute of Moscow State University under the ExoAtlet logo. In America, two vehicles are being developed in parallel: the lightweight infantry “Hulk” from the Locked Martin company and the multi-purpose heavy “XOS-2” from the manufacturer Raytheon.

A large amount of information about developments is closed. But human biomechanics in our country wants to release the device for the open market. A skeleton for medical purposes will appear soon.

Medical exoskeleton

Russian-made systems are planned to be used in medicine. This will expand the capabilities of people confined to a wheelchair. Human biomechanics is trying to introduce such devices into the rehabilitation process. They will perform several functions simultaneously:

  • wheelchair substitute;
  • a simulator for people with musculoskeletal diseases;
  • a means of social and emotional rehabilitation.

The owner of such technology will be able to move independently and even get rid of the problem of looking “from the bottom up.”

Emergency rescue version of the suit

The military exoskeleton was designed to solve several problems:

  • carrying loads that are very heavy for humans over long distances;
  • demining the area;
  • participation in anti-terrorist operations;
  • liquidation of consequences of man-made disasters and natural disasters;
  • analysis of collapses and rubble;
  • extinguishing fires when the supply of air in the rescuer’s breathing apparatus is limited, etc.

What is a modern superhero costume?

The Russian-made exoskeleton is made in the form of a frame located behind the owner’s back. There are also two supports for the arm and leg on one side of the body. The device has no limbs that act as a hand. Domestic development differs from its overseas counterpart. Our device is passive in nature. It is not equipped with servos, that is, the movement is carried out due to the muscle power of the owner of the device.

But the international community believes that our development is much more promising than the American one in terms of mass application. “ExoAtlet” allows a fighter to carry a load weighing about one hundred kilograms. The whole point is that the weight on the frame is correctly distributed. Such a solution reduces the cost of producing exoskeletons by tens of times, which makes it possible to equip a larger number of fighters.

Overseas equivalent

Built into the American development a large number of electronics and batteries. In addition to the high cost, there is another problem in Western designs - autonomy. Engineers ensured that the system operates for 72 hours. But soon the question arises of charging or replacing the power supply unit (battery), because in field conditions This is very problematic and sometimes impossible!

Critics saw another problem with the American HULK. What should a soldier do if the structure is discharged and there is no way to restore the energy resource? The designers claim that this situation is not a problem at all. These military robots can be easily folded, turning them into a kind of backpack. But such a robot weighs about 25 kg. So what should the defender do: abandon the expensive development or carry another 25 kg of excess weight, not counting those 100 kg of luggage?

HULC maintainability

In field conditions, the reliability and repairability of this equipment also raises a large number of questions. For military equipment, these parameters are very important. For example, small arms will be effective if they withstand adverse factors, and a soldier can repair them with improvised means during operation. It is unknown how the unprotected electronics of the American counterpart will behave in frost or dust conditions. In order to disable a fighter with such a “thing,” it is enough to shoot a firearm at a structural, power or hydraulic element. As a result, the supersuit will turn into heavy ballast. It is not possible to repair such a thing in the field due to its increased technological complexity.

Russian exoskeleton

In the domestic version there are no problems with the power supply. Our “ExoAtlet” is limited only by the physical capabilities of the fighter. The device does not remove physical activity from a warrior, but allows you to carry up to 100 kg of equipment and weapons. Our development does not carry a burden; it helps a person perform this function. Military developments are unique. Engineers have ensured that ExoAtlet weighs only 12 kg. This is one of its advantages. After all, in battle conditions, every gram counts. We must understand that excess weight slows down the fighter's activity. This negatively affects the warrior's effectiveness. And the ease of such a design is an obvious plus.

The military use of ExoAtlet is also due to the fact that hydraulics and electronics are absent. The device is simple and lightweight metal structure. After all, what simpler equipment, the less negative factors affect it, be it a breakdown or severe climatic conditions. Repairs will also be much easier. Our developers have created a skeleton in which there is practically nothing to be damaged. And it is much easier to restore mechanics in battle than electronics. Due to these factors, domestic development is much more reliable than Western analogues.

Simply put, simple and cost-effective military robots will soon appear in our country's defense. Meanwhile, Western design engineers continue to scratch their heads. They have a long way to go to refine and improve their brainchild. Recently, HULC participated in army tests, but, unfortunately, the results were disappointing. Therefore, the military youth of the United States will not soon see an exosuit on their shoulders.

The history of the creation of "ExoAtlet"

  • 2011 - MSU scientists won the tender of the Ministry of Emergency Situations to develop the skeleton. In subsequent years, the team creates passive and active devices. The passive one was not afraid of fire, weighed 12 kg and tolerated weights up to 100 kg. Active allowed the fighter to lift weight up to 200 kg.
  • 2013 - a team of scientists separated to develop ExoAtleta for medical purposes. Their motto was that real people would walk around in exoskeletons.

  • 2014 - Moscow State University Research Institute receives the main prize from Startup Village. The team became a resident of Skolkovo, and also entered the top five finalists of the Generation S competition and competed at the Sochi Olympics in robotics. Next was the presentation of the development in Singapore and negotiations with the country's chief rehabilitator.
  • 2015 - first sales. The Arkhangelsk region purchased 6 suits for research and testing. In the same year, the first trip to the Middle East took place. At the X Venture Fair in Kazan, the team took first place in the high technology category.
  • 2016 - ExoAtlet crosses the Atlantic and conquers the American and Asian markets. Skeleton developers associate this year with a shot from a signal pistol. Sales of devices are starting in Russia, and serious clinical studies are also beginning.

"ExoAtlet" at home

Our “Athlete” is designed in such a way that it completely reproduces the gait of the owner. But this does not mean that the process will be carried out without the participation of the owner. This movement can be compared to riding a bicycle. A person will have to get used to the controls. With such equipment, you need to relearn how to maintain balance and take the first steps one after another. This process takes from several hours to several days. The procedure for learning to control the exoskeleton takes place in the clinic, where the device is adjusted to the personal parameters of the owner:

  • pelvis width;
  • back height;
  • length and proportion of legs.

Naturally, everything takes place under the supervision of a doctor, who conducts a complete check of the body before each workout. Next, the patient has the right to conduct training and rehabilitation at home, but again under supervision. The robot records telemetric data and transmits it to the monitoring center.

If the spinal cord was injured relatively recently, then there is a chance to avoid disability. But this “golden hour” does not last long. The sooner the patient gets back on his feet and takes the first step with the help of ExoAthlete, the greater his chances of restoring motor functions and returning to ordinary life. But it is important to remember that the rehabilitation process is different for everyone and depends on the vital resources of the injured person.

In case of complete loss of motor functions, ExoAtlet will become a partial replacement for a wheelchair. It should be understood that you will not be able to spend days in a suit, as this is a means of rehabilitation. Daily training in a suit will replace three physiotherapists at once, and will also fundamentally change the quality of life of paralyzed patients. The exoskeleton will help people start walking. Walking will lead to significantly improved ventilation of the lungs, arterial pressure will return to normal, joint mobility will increase, urinary tract infections will go away, nutrition of internal organs and muscles will be restored, and intestinal function will improve. All this is a physiological effect.

Emotional and psychological aspects in the life of a disabled person are no less important. When using ExoAtlet, paralyzed people noticed that their mood and attitude towards the world around them improved. Their lives began to be filled with colors, positive impressions and emotions. They gain new strength. Now they are able to communicate on an equal basis with the people around them. Fire and interest in life appear in the eyes of ExoAtlet pilots. They say that behind them is not electronics and a battery, but a pair of technologically advanced wings.

Japanese HAL

In the country rising sun Human biomechanics does not stand still. Scientists at a Japanese experimental laboratory have developed a hybrid assistive limb. Today on the island it is used by people with disabilities. The development and improvement of this suit took place at the University of Tsukubina over 20 years! Today, the Japanese are actively introducing HAL technology in medicine. Cyberdyne (the owner of the rights to the exoskeleton) has leased more than three hundred copies. Back in 2013, the invention received a certificate for safety in use. This fact paved the way for the device to the world market and also confirmed its reliability.

The owner of the HAL-5 modification can lift and move things and objects exceeding five times the maximum load in natural conditions. This turn in the world of technology and robots greatly simplifies the work of rescuers and liquidators of various consequences. But this modification has not yet been implemented.

Conclusion

We've seen fantastic developments in cinema before. We’ve seen an exoskeleton in games (“Stalker”), but we couldn’t even think that such technologies would soon become available to an ordinary person. In 2017, active tests are being carried out in the field of controlling the suit with the power of thought. Our scientists are now required to teach the operating system to instantly read the operator's input. The problems of battery autonomy are gradually being resolved, as the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to begin purchasing such devices at the beginning of 2020. We can only wait for our bright heads at the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University.

Today in Russia there is no market for similar products. We have yet to create it. The question remains open as to whether engineers and designers will bring their brainchild to perfection. The domestic ExoAtlet team will have to solve a huge number of complex issues: synchronizing the pulse reading and equipment response, increasing the battery capacity, reducing its weight, and much more. This trend is gaining momentum in the world and becoming more and more popular. Competitors are also growing, conducting a huge number of tests. Experts have already estimated the European exoskeleton market at one and a half billion euros. Let's wish Russian developers good luck, creative success and further breakthroughs and discoveries on their difficult creative path!

The combat equipment of the future will differ significantly even from the existing complexes of individual fighter equipment. The “Ratnik” equipment set, which successfully confirmed all the implemented technological solutions in Syria, . Combat defense Generations of combat equipment are very relative. Experts say that conventions such as designations are important for understanding the differences between combat sets, but the main thing for a soldier in this regard will always remain the successful completion of the assigned task and the preservation of his own life and health. Only at first glance, the “Ratnik”, which entered experimental military service, can be characterized by the general term “equipment”. In terms of its structure and number of elements, it is rather a complex of protection, equipment and a communication and target designation device at the same time.

There are five key elements in the “Warrior” kit: a destruction system - weapons and ammunition, a protection system - body armor and body armor, a life support system - special equipment, a uniform made of special hard-to-damage materials, as well as a communication, control and target designation system. Personal armor protection in case of with KBE "Warrior" is worth mentioning separately, since it is thanks to them that a soldier or officer from any unit can carry out assigned tasks as safely as possible. The modularity of the system ensures the main thing - versatility of application. Interchangeable elements of ceramic armor protection can be rearranged in different sets of equipment. For each type of military force, its own set of combat equipment was thought out, designed and created taking into account all the features. Thus, motorized rifle and infantry units received their own “Ratnik”, and special forces received their own. Protection from small fragments flying at a speed of 500 m/sec was also thought out for other military personnel wearing Ratnik: both tankers and reconnaissance officers have the same level of protection. Only kits for sappers are especially protected, but this solution has a fairly simple explanation: the tasks of these specialists require not only special skills, but also special equipment.

Although the tests of the Ratnik KBE were carried out in accordance with all the rules and laws of military science, many specialists for a long time I was interested in the real effectiveness of protective equipment. The long-awaited data will be announced at the press conference of the Army-2017 forum CEO TsNIITochmash Dmitry Semizorov. According to Semizorov, even when getting into scrapes, not a single penetration of armored elements was recorded. The bottom line is that this means that the specialists who carried the Ratnik in Syria will calmly complete their combat missions and return home. It is important to understand that protection from rifle bullets and shrapnel does not come with a little blood. In the case of most domestic and foreign body armor, wearing SIBZ (personal body armor) was accompanied by a multi-kilogram load on the human body. Some of these body armor, which provide safety only in the third class of protection, weighed ten or even 15 kg. The 6b45 body armor vest from the Ratnik KBE, without additional armor panels, protects the operator in class 5A and weighs only eight kilograms. If you want to make the armor more powerful, the operator will be able to use the same modular design and armor plates from more protected body armor, for example B643 with protection class 6A. Airstrike Controller Separately, military intelligence officers noted the Strelets communication and control system, which is part of the Ratnik KBE. Ground troops and it was no coincidence that special forces units were the first to receive them. The main feature of the KRUS “Strelets” electronics and surveillance and target designation equipment is the ability to quickly transmit coordinates from an observer to attack aircraft. Russian specialists carried out debugging of the “mark-and-destroy” process in Syria with great success. The ability to send data with images of the area was largely provided by the PDU-4 multifunctional devices, which, in essence, are a kind of army multi-tool, combining binoculars, a laser rangefinder and a portable camera.

The high quality of transmitted data allows you to do the main thing - reduce the time for receiving/transmitting and confirming the target, and therefore speed up its destruction. Aircraft controllers with such devices, according to officers familiar with the system, can only watch as the attack on the marked objects begins, and then, after some time, send photographic confirmation of the hits to headquarters. Command tablets, from which officers can control a unit, are also protected from almost all troubles that can happen in combat conditions. Electronic computers are protected according to the IP68 standard. The first digit in this index means that the device is dust and dirt resistant, the second - that even at a depth of up to one meter it can work properly. However, officers of units that used electronic tablets not only for marking electronic maps claim that the electronic device is much more resistant to external influences than is commonly believed. “If we are talking about operation in conditions that are far from comfortable, then it is worth saying that the devices can withstand not only heavy rainfall and low temperatures, but also work correctly in severe heat conditions. “The word ‘serious’ means a temperature of +40 degrees in the shade,” the officers said.

Separately, special forces officers also note the “friend or foe” identification system, which alarms the operator and attracts attention with an alarm whenever an unidentified object appears in the designated sector. "Warrior" of the future Despite the success of the combat use of the Ratnik CBE, there are considerable prospects for growth within the framework of specialized R&D. The head of TsNIITochmash Dmitry Semizorov, at the Army-2017 forum, said that work is underway to shape the appearance of the equipment of the future, the Ratnik-3 CBE. Despite the fact that TsNIITochmash specialists plan to complete the study of this issue by the end of 2017, experts are already talking about some upcoming changes. According to experts, work within the framework of the Ratnik-3 development work will inevitably be carried out with an emphasis on reducing the element base of all wearable electronics, with the possibility of maximizing its efficiency. The armored helmet demonstrated by the developers at the Army 2017 forum deserves special mention in this matter. Of course, this is just a concept, but it is already clear that most sighting and navigation devices will move from the category of wearable electronics to integrated ones. Judging by the sample presented at the Army-2017 forum, the transport systems of the kit have already undergone a significant revision. Probably for carrying heavy weapons such as anti-tank missile systems or other devices and cargo. The exoskeleton, according to some estimates, will triple the weight of wearable equipment.

The developer does not say anything about the protection classes of the armored panels, but the director of TsNIItochmash, Dmitry Semizorov, has already revealed some details regarding the new armored helmet. According to Semizorov, the helmet will have an integrated aiming, control and communication system. In addition, he will be able to recognize objects on the battlefield in the “friend or foe” system. The helmet will be able to assess the physical condition of a fighter, as well as perform the functions of a gas mask and protect him from chemical and bacteriological attacks. The body of the armored helmet will be made of a modular design from new materials. The suit, in turn, will provide protection for the entire surface of the soldier’s body. It will include elements of a system for providing medical care for wounds, assessing the physiological state, and provides modular ballistic reinforcement in the areas of projection of vital organs. The suit, which will be used during assault operations, will receive all-round armor, Semizorov added.

In 10-15 years, when the Ratnik-3 design and development work smoothly moves from sketches to prototypes, and then to production products, it will become clear how much the appearance of the Russian soldier of the future will change. Probably, by that time, all means of communication, navigation and data transmission will turn into a single device, and the circular armor of the suit itself will allow fighters to act as efficiently as possible.

In 2007, the Ministry of Emergency Situations contacted the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University. The rescue agency needed a Russian unit to facilitate rescue operations - an exoskeleton. A special design for the human body, which allows you to increase the body's capabilities several times. Thanks to development modern technologies This idea of ​​science fiction writers about a superman has now found its real embodiment. This direction has been actively developing in the West throughout recent years, and Russian engineers decided not to remain aloof from these processes.

Today they call it an exoskeleton external system frames designed to enhance the muscular strength of a person or the special lifting force of an android robot. This designation was originally taken from biology, in which it meant the exoskeleton of invertebrates. In the future, this technology should eliminate the physical limitations of people, as well as various mechanisms.


Currently, the main area of ​​use of exoskeletons is development in the interests of the military. The main direction of work on exoskeletons is the development of a working prototype that could enhance the physical abilities of soldiers. In the future, similar functions can be used, for example, for deep diving or space flights, as well as in other quite complex situations. The second, no less common, example of the use of exoskeletons is to help in the rehabilitation of patients with damage to the musculoskeletal system. An example of such a device is the Honda Walking Assist Device exoskeleton. It is worth noting that Russian developers are also interested in this direction of development.

In addition to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, domestic developers were also supported by the Ministry of Education and Science (allocation of funding in the amount of 120 million rubles). In 2013, the first sample, weighing 50 kg and capable of withstanding a maximum load of up to 200 kg, was presented as part of the 6th International Integrated Safety Salon. At the same time, the development received gold medal from the hands of Sergei Shoigu himself and the task of “refining” the device. Still, the first exoskeleton created in Russia turned out to be too bulky, as well as with an unacceptable delay in reactions.

Similar to the Iron Man suit from the popular science-fiction film, the Russian development “ExoAtlet” is able to endow a person with a set of superpowers. And although it is impossible to fly in such a suit, the developers believe that with its help “you can move mountains.” According to Pavel Komarov, a researcher at the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University, the weight, which is mounted on the power structure at the top, goes through the joint in the hip and pelvis through the leg into the ground. In a static position, a person is completely freed from the load; he does not feel the weight being held. The maximum load that this exoskeleton can currently withstand is 200 kg. At the same time, holding such a weight, a person is unlikely to be able to move. However, with the help of this exoskeleton a person can carry a weight of 70 or even 100 kg even over very long distances.

LifeNews correspondents who visited the laboratory tried on ExoAtlet for themselves. With a total load of 50 kg, its weight is absolutely not felt by a person. At the same time, in order to fully use this development, a person needs to learn to cope with the force of inertia, and this is achieved through constant training. This suit was mainly created for Russian rescuers; the Ministry of Emergency Situations was one of the initiators of its creation. At the same time, Russian scientists faced quite a not an easy task create a durable and at the same time fairly lightweight suit.


It is necessary that the Ministry of Emergency Situations employees can easily climb stairs in the area of ​​man-made accidents or disasters, while wasting less oxygen, explains one of the aspects of using ExoAtleta Elena Pismennaya, who holds the position of senior researcher at the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University. The creators of the Russian exoskeleton believe that the possibilities for using this mechanism are almost unlimited.

Currently, the development team continues to work on improving their project, finalizing the model in collaboration with future users and relevant departments. However, all these are closed developments, while the employees of the research institute have a desire to release something for the open market. Therefore, in the near future a new exoskeleton may appear in a medical version.

Almost simultaneously, a number of team members came up with an idea that went beyond R&D - to commercialize their product. Of all possible options adapting the exoskeleton for its possible introduction to a wide market, they thought the most breakthrough and profitable area was the medical field - patient rehabilitation. Ekaterina Bereziy, who headed the project that spun off from the main team back in 2011, notes that the developers did not want to stop at the drawing level and abandon the whole thing. Was specially created commercial structure, called “ExoAtlet” with the participation of Moscow State University specialists and under a government contract from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Ministry of Industry and Trade allocated 40 million rubles for the development of the exoskeleton, while the team that left to do business does not lose touch with their colleagues who work on defense orders.


In the field of medicine, especially in the field of rehabilitation of patients, exoskeletons are able to provide a large number of opportunities to those people who currently move using a wheelchair. At the same time, they can solve several different functions at once: a product - a substitute for a wheelchair, a simulator for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system who need rehabilitation, as well as a product for emotional and social rehabilitation - since a person with limited physical capabilities gets a chance to start move independently. He gets rid of the need to constantly look up to the people around him.

Currently, the goals of the Russian project “ExoAtlet” are to develop the first exoskeleton in our country. The basis of this project is the innovative developments made by employees of the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University and aimed at expanding the physical capabilities of people. Currently, the project is developing in two directions: emergency rescue modification and medical exoskeleton.

The emergency rescue modification of the exoskeleton was designed to solve problems that involve carrying fairly heavy loads over long distances; it can also be used during anti-terrorist operations and mine clearance. To eliminate the consequences of man-made disasters and natural disasters, to clear the resulting rubble, to perform fire-fighting operations in conditions of limited air reserves in the breathing apparatus of firefighters. The medical version, designated ExoAtlet Med, is being developed to help people with disabilities. It can be used for both medical and social rehabilitation of patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. This exoskeleton is ideal for the needs of therapy and rehabilitation of specialized populations rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

True, the Russian company ExoAtlet is several years late in this direction, preparing to present its medical development only in 2017. However, the most successful medical versions of exoskeletons have already reached the end consumer: from the leader in medical skeleton construction, the American company Ekso Bionics and the Israeli Re Walk. At the same time, the American prototype is similar to the Russian development, and the company itself chose a similar development path, having at one time separated from military developments. Not long ago, Ekso Bionics managed to attract about $20 million in investments into its project.

Currently in Russian company“ExoAtlet” employs 20 people - designers, engineers, mathematicians, programmers, specialists in the field of control theory and neural interfaces, marketers and managers. The company is well aware that this project can be included in the list of rehabilitation means only with support from the state. The developers of ExoAtlet Med expect that their product will be included in the official register technical means rehabilitation (today it includes wheelchairs and crutches, which disabled people under special programs are able to receive for free or at a significant discount).

At the same time, the company also hopes to receive government orders. In total, the state spent 160 million rubles on the development of a working model of the Russian exoskeleton in 2011-2014. According to representatives of the ExoAtlet company, the new prototype will be ready before the end of 2014. And already in 2015, doctors, partners of the project, will be able to conduct preclinical tests of the new product, and the developers will begin to refine it based on receiving recommendations from doctors. For the next stage of work on the project, which is expected to last at least a year, the developers need about 137 million more rubles. It was decided to turn to Russian officials for the required amount.


Until the product is ready to launch into mass production, there is no point in pinning your hopes on private venture funds - the risks are too great. Therefore, it is planned to attract private investors to the project only at the second stage of work. The Russian exoskeleton should go into serial production in 2016-2017. When a working prototype is ready, it will become completely clear what the company’s final product is, how it can be implemented and what are the prospects for the new product to be included in the register of technical means for the rehabilitation of the disabled. It is at this moment that the product will finally become commercial and private investors can be sought for it. The developers also expect to find a partner who will be ready to build a plant for them for the opening market, Ekaterina Bereziy outlines the next steps.

In fact, at the moment there is simply no market for such products in Russia; it has yet to be created. The question also remains open whether Russian designers will be able to bring their brainchild to fruition. The ExoAtleta team will have to solve many issues that are in related areas - synchronize the reading of the impulse and reaction of the machine, solve the issue of increasing the battery charge, continue to reduce the volume and weight of their product, and solve the problem of how to free the user’s hands. At the same time, this direction is gaining strength in the world. According to experts, the European exoskeleton market alone is already valued at 1.5 billion euros. The technologies that have emerged today may finally lead to a real breakthrough in the field of building exoskeletons, and Russia may have a chance to keep up with its direct competitors in this race.

Information sources:
http://expert.ru/expert/2014/23/primerka-vneshnego-skeleta
http://www.exoatlet.ru
http://lifenews.ru/news/126090
http://robonovosti.ru/texnologii/1191-ekzoskelet.htm

In just five years, “special purpose” equipment may appear in the Russian Ministry of Defense. We are talking about exoskeleton- device special design, designed to increase human strength through an external frame.

As Alexander Kulish, head of the development and production of medical equipment of the United Instrument-Making Corporation, head of the Association of Defense Industry Organizations - Manufacturers of Medical Products and Equipment, said during the conference “Russian Electronics: Import Substitution and Development Prospects”, exoskeletons for the Armed Forces will be able to significantly increase the physical capabilities of military personnel. In particular, it will be possible for them to carry cargo weighing up to 300 kilograms!

Controlling the power of thought

« Such technologies will undoubtedly be in demand,” emphasized Alexander Kulish. — In combat conditions, a soldier dressed in such an exoskeleton will be able to move and throw heavy objects, make incredible jumps. This equipment is the future».

Wherein the exoskeleton is supposed to be controlled by latest technology- due to the neural interface, that is, actually by the power of thought. Thus, turning and squeezing the hands will become possible after a person draws certain visual images for himself. For example, it will be enough to imagine a red square for the hand to clench, and a black one for the hand to unclench. Pulse signals will be transmitted to the exoskeleton structure.

According to a representative of the United Instrument-Making Corporation, if an order is received from the Russian Ministry of Defense, the creation and production of such systems can be mass-produced. The timing of the appearance of a neural interface for controlling exoskeletons and prostheses using electrical potentials Experts estimate the age of the brain at five years.

Fiction has become reality

The world's first exoskeleton was developed jointly by General Electric and the United States military in the 1960s. A person equipped with such a device could lift 110 kg with a lifting force of only 4.5 kg. True, the mass of the device itself was 680 kg. As a result, the project was considered unsuccessful, but not only because of its bulky size and weight, but mainly because of insufficiently clear management.

However, the development of exoskeletons continued. The developers saw the benefit of such equipment in helping people with musculoskeletal disorders. Another direction in the development of this technology was the military.

The development of exoskeletons initially ran into one big problem - the lack of energy sources that would allow the device to operate autonomously for a long time. Thus, Raytheon's XOS exoskeleton, developed for the US Army, was powered by a regular electrical network during the demonstration. The limbs of this robotic suit were powered by hydraulics. high pressure, and the operator was tied to the stationary equipment not only by cables, but also by hydraulic hoses.

Nevertheless, the capabilities of exoskeletons (mostly potential) provided food for the authors works of art fantasy genre. In the popular films “The Matrix”, “Iron Man”, “Aliens” the heroes actively use such devices. And in the film "Edge of Tomorrow" soldiers resisting the invasion of hostile aliens lead fighting in exoskeletons that allow them to parachute from great heights without parachutes. The military purpose of exoskeletons is also emphasized in modern computer games.

Superpowers on hydraulic cylinders

According to reports from the open press, working samples of exoskeletons have now been created in the USA, Japan, and Russia. The Japanese exoskeleton "HAL" by designer Yoshiyuki Sankai became the world's first commercial device. Since 2004 it can be purchased at open sale. The weight of the exoskeleton is 23 kg (with upper limbs) or 15 kg with lower limbs.

The HAL device is made according to a bionic scheme: weak biocurrents from the muscles on the skin of a person’s arms and legs are transmitted to electric amplifiers, which turn on the drives and move the exoskeleton. True, the capabilities of the device are far from cinematic images. So, a person dressed in such a suit can lift a weight of only 40 kilograms.

The development of Russian devices called ExoAtlet is being carried out by a team of scientists formed on the basis of the Institute of Mechanics at Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov and working on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. The rescue department needed a domestic unit to facilitate emergency rescue operations - a device that increases a person’s muscular strength.

ExoAtlet is a software and hardware complex for duplicating the human musculoskeletal system, the main purpose of which is to carry heavy loads.

« Our exoskeleton replicates the human skeleton to some degree of detail.“, said the project leader, Professor Alexander Formalsky. — The links of the mechanism are connected to one another by hinges. In a static position, a person is completely freed from the load, without feeling the weight he is holding.».

There are two types of exoskeleton - active and passive. The active device is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, which flexes and extends the limb at the knee joint. In turn, the control algorithm for the passive exoskeleton consists of “locking” and “unlocking” knee joints left and right legs alternately. The device simply redistributes the person’s weight, giving additional resources to the leg on which the emphasis is placed. The main thing here is to learn how to control the force of inertia.

Thanks to the special design of the exoskeleton of this model, it does not have any drives or power sources, so the operating time of a person dressed in such a suit is limited only by his personal endurance.

Military-style exoskeletons and more

ExoAtlet weighs 12 kg, while a person can handle a load weighing 70-100 kg. According to the developers, it is in the ability to take on a significant load that the prospects for using the device in the interests of the military lie. Thus, a soldier equipped with such a “suit” can carry more weapons or ammunition.

By the way, in one of the modifications the exoskeleton is already “tied” to an assault shield weighing 35 kg, which is equipped with soldiers of special law enforcement units. The entire mass of the shield rests not on the person’s hands, but on the elements of the exoskeleton.

The capabilities of the exoskeleton can also be useful when carrying additional ammunition, equipment or heavy weapons (for example, the AGS-17 “Plamya” automatic mounted grenade launcher, whose weight exceeds 30 kg).

The exoskeleton model, developed by the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University, was demonstrated at the VI International Integrated Safety Salon in 2013. For their idea, the team of authors was awarded a gold medal in the “Best Innovative Solutions” category. In the same year, at the “Innovation Day” held by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the first working sample of a device that could be used in the army was presented.

In 2014, the ExoAtlet project successfully passed the expert council and received the status of a participant in the Skolkovo Foundation. Today, under the auspices of Skolkovo chief roboticist Albert Efimov, a new generation exoskeleton has been developed - “ExoAtlet Albert”.

True, it has more of a medical purpose: the battery-powered device sets and maintains the rhythm of the disabled person’s movement. There is a kind of integration of man and robot, a kind of symbiosis at the level of mechano-tactile interaction. This helps disabled people move and develop lost or impaired functions of the musculoskeletal system.

The benefits of an exoskeleton for people with disabilities are invaluable, because many of them are able to get out of a wheelchair for the first time only thanks to such innovations.

Currently, devices with a neural interface are considered a promising direction in the development of exoskeletons. This is exactly what the representative of the United Instrument-Making Corporation, Alexander Kulish, is talking about. The exoskeleton's drives can be controlled by signals from nerve fibers emanating from the corresponding intervertebral foramina. They will be removed contactless sensors with amplifiers. In addition, it is provided Feedback— the computer will convert the signals from the exoskeleton into the bioformat of brain impulses.

TsNIITochmash of the Rostec State Corporation presented promising combat equipment that includes an exoskeleton, as well as a new high-precision sniper system in two calibers.

Equipment includes:
Steel helmet with visor, impenetrable protective glass and built-in breathing protective mask (gas mask). Also equipped with a night vision device
Glasses with a built-in display that shows information about the enemy, as well as the soldier’s health status. According to sensor readings, the suit will be able to provide limited medical care to the fighter.
Scaled body armor that does not restrict the fighter’s movements. The protective suit adapts to environment, automatically adjusting the temperature. The armor is also waterproof, protected from fire and has a protective color and an integrated “friend or foe” identification system.
A rifle that has two barrels of different calibers for different combat missions, as well as an under-barrel grenade launcher
An exoskeleton made of titanium, which is controlled by an intelligent system and serves to help a fighter carry heavy weapons over long distances and overcome various obstacles. In addition, a quick-detachable exoskeleton will increase the soldier’s physical strength and endurance, his speed of movement on the march or the battlefield
Boots protected from bullets, shrapnel and mines. They also have built-in mine detectors, a mine radio signal suppression system, and batteries that power the exoskeleton. Shoes are fireproof
Modern "Ratnik" combat equipment is considered second generation armor, and this prototype can confidently be attributed to the fourth
The rest of the details are a military secret.

Western publications have already compared the latest Russian armor with the equipment of attack aircraft from “ Star Wars» George Lucas. Russia is working hard to replace human soldiers with robots that can take part in combat on land, in the air, in water and even in space, Western media write.

As a representative of TsNIITOCHMASH told the Hi-Tech Mail.ru portal, this is a conceptual model, and the timing of its release into mass production has not yet been specified. Details and details are also not yet known - they will be discussed in August at the International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2017", which will be held in Kubinka.

Grigory Matyukhin

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