US Military rolls out 'super-soldier' exoskeleton suits

The U.S. Army is investing millions of dollars in exoskeleton technology to make soldiers stronger and more resilient, in what experts say is part of a broader push into advanced gear to equip a new generation of "super soldiers." Jayson Albano reports.
The U.S. Army is paving the way for a new generation of 'super-soldiers' with the help of exoskeletons.

They're designed to be worn over a pair of pants and use a suite of sensors and AI to aid natural movement.

The experimental technology is being developed by Lockheed Martin in an almost seven million dollar bid to increase American soldiers' endurance.

Lockheed Martin's licensed the tech from a Canadian company.

They originally designed the suit for people with mobility problems or medical ailments - like multiple sclerosis.

"The idea is that we're going to take the capabilities of some of the fittest, highest-performing individuals in the world... and we're going to extend those capabilities."

The appeal of exoskeleton technology for the U.S. military is clear.

Gear like body armour, night-vision goggles and advanced radios are critical - but heavy.

All up, they can weigh almost two or three times the recommended limit for soldiers.

And when infantry troops show up to a fight, they're fatigued from carrying all their equipment.

Now with the help of the exoskeletons, soldiers can fight fresh.

"We're going to make them stronger, we're going to make them last longer and we're going to make them go faster and farther."

The equipment won't come cheap.

Each exoskeleton is expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars.

But the U.S. isn't the only country looking to give their troops an upgrade.

Research officials say Russia and China also have exoskeleton tech in the works.



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