Back Support Exoskeleton Robot for Soldiers: Military Applicability Analysis

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the exoskeleton robot which can support the muscular strength of the soldiers handling the front load and its applicability in the military field. In fact, in the questionnaire survey on the military applicability of exoskeleton robots, many soldiers reported that they felt immensely fatigued due to the heavy load on their back during the operation. Most of the exoskeleton robots in the military have been developed to reduce fatigue during the mobility and movement of soldiers. Research on the exoskeleton robots to support the waist has been carried out with emphasis on its role in assisting performance of repetitive work in the industrial field or the medical field. To examine the studies on conventional back support exoskeleton robots and to find out the functions required to apply a back-support exoskeleton robot to soldiers, we have classified the existing back support exoskeleton robots into power type, supported body, waterproof grades, and others based on weight, purpose, working time, etc. Apparently, the shape of the exoskeleton robot suitable for application in the military field and the required performance is presented in the present work.