October 19, 2006
US military spends $50 million to create “6 Million Dollar Man”
Ever wanted to be as quick and strong (and good looking) as the 6 Million Dollar Man? Well, there will be no quick fix for the good looks, as the following article deals with really unattractive external equipment, but as for the strength and speed, there may be hope.
Gizmag reports that the “US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency” will spend $50 million dollars on a project to develop exoskeletons.
“The scope of the program includes the development of actively controlled exoskeletons that not only increase strength and speed, but enable larger weapons to be carried, provide a higher level of protection from enemy fire or chemical attack, allow wearers to stay active longer and carry more food, ammunition and field supplies. Exoskeletons may eventually even be programmed to bring injured soldiers back to base by themselves.”
One of the issues to tackle will be the power supply, with hydrocarbon fuels and pneumatic systems being one of the possible options.
