A China-based defense firm, Kestrel Defense, has developed a new powered exoskeleton suit that aims to improve the endurance, mobility and situational awareness of soldiers operating drones and battlefield systems.
According to its developers, the exoskeleton features mechanical leg supports, a modular backpack, a head-mounted display and drone-launch capability.
Source: DroneWarsAI/X
Designed specifically for drone operators, artillery units and reconnaissance teams, the exoskeleton is expected to help reduce wearer fatigue during long missions by supporting soldiers in crouched or kneeling positions, which are typical stances required for remote drone control.
Further, the lower-body frame features reinforced knee braces and mechanical linkages along the thighs and calves, which enable soldiers to navigate rugged terrain and carry heavier loads with less effort. The suit also includes a compact system for launching drones, thus enabling soldiers to deploy and control small flying robots from the field.
Additionally, the exoskeleton also features articulated shoulder arms that offer upper-body support for lifting gear, weapons or assisting injured personnel and the soldier’s helmet includes a head-mounted display system with an augmented reality (AR) visor. This visor promises to give real-time drone video feeds, map overlays or night and thermal vision.
While still in the prototype phase, the exoskeleton could one day be used for border patrol, reconnaissance or urban combat.
