The Army’s New Wearable Robotics

The Army’s New Wearable RoboticsJuly 21, 2010 posted by OldWarrioradd comment | read comments (0) The US Army is working on a new uniform which will be called the RBU. This acronym stands for Robotic Battlefield Uniform. This uniform is essentially an exoskeleton which will utilize mechanical hydraulics, and computer electronics to give the individual soldier the ability to carry hundreds of pounds of equipment as though it were nothing. This would certainly enhance the capabilities of every small infantry type unit in the military.

You might have heard of light forces using the term “Having to hump equipment.” Think about how light forces have to carry all of their food, water, ammunition, first aid, weapons, specialized equipment, and spare clothing with them on the battlefield. Now think about how they may have to do so in extreme weather and terrain. Imagine what it is like having to walk through desert sand, or climb mountainous rocky terrain in 130 degree heat loaded down with stuff that you need to do your job. Now imagine doing this while wearing a helmet and flak vest and carrying a machine gun. You just have to do it a few times to really get an appreciation of it. Once you do you will intimately appreciate every piece of equipment that I have just mentioned.

I can see how this will greatly benefit our Special Operators who have to perform long range reconnaissance missions. They have to know how to live off of the land because they just can’t always carry all of the food that they need. Anything that works is subject to breaking down and that is the question with me. What if this uniform malfunctions in the field? They would have to leave vital equipment behind. Doing so would compromise the operation because the enemy would know that they were in the area.