Exoskeletons for Unarmed Military Use: Requirements and Approaches to Support Human Movements Using an Example of Protection Against Unknown CBRN Dangers

Abstract

Using individual protective equipment (IPE) while handling unknown chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) dangers can lead to high physical stress on the user. The use of exoskeletons may be a good approach to help relieving the user and may increase the overall wear time of the IPE. Due to the unique environment and equipment, this use case applies additional requirements on the exoskeletal functions, design and interaction with the IPE. By the example of disposal of unknown CBRN dangers, this contribution observes and analyses the different tasks in the field of handling unknown CBRN dangers and deduces requirements for the combination of the IPE and exoskeletons. The results recommend the use of exoskeletons combined with the IPE, especially the gas-tight protective suit and a few approaches to include exoskeletal systems in the security measures.