Low Noise, High Efficiency Hydraulics for Mobile Robots

We propose to develop a lower body exoskeleton device that will enable the wearer to perform super-human running with a reduced metabolic cost. As the carry load and protective gear of the modern war fighter increases, the soldiers agility is significantly limited and their metabolic cost of movement increases. The proposed exoskeleton will allow the soldier to perform dynamic movements such as running at 10mph for 30 minutes, extended long jumps, and traversing over large objects, with a reduced metabolic cost. This system will significantly extend and contribute to the state of the art in exoskeleton design. In conjunction with our teammates, we will use the latest passive energy storage, actuation, and controls technology to develop a lightweight fully functional untethered lower body exoskeleton at a Technology Readiness Level 6. We also offer an option to extend the lower body development into the upper body, by developing tethered arms that are tightly coupled to the existing Mark II suit and have the ability to lift 100 pounds, perform gravity compensation of the suit, and add augmented arm strength. This optional development path would continue to push technology development toward the implementation of a fully actuated Mark III suit.