Rostec has demonstrated its new operative passive exoskeletons for the first time to be used for the Russian Army’s new-generation of Ratnik combat suit.
The Russian Army has already trialled the exoskeletons in combat environment conditions.
Rostec Armament Cluster industrial director Sergey Abramov said:
“This prototype has already been tested during real military operations.
“The exoskeleton was tested by special detachments of the Russian Ministry of Defense and Internal Affairs bodies in years 2017-2018.
“In addition, an active exoskeleton is also being designed, and its working prototype has already been made by Rostec’s enterprise. It is going to be presented at one of the nearest exhibitions.”
This fully functional technology demonstrator has been operationally tested by the Russian Army.
The exoskeleton is made of lightweight carbon fiber and supports the musculoskeletal system when a person carries weights up to 50 kg (packs, special gear, armaments, and ammunition) during long marches and assaults.
It is a mechanical device with levers and swivels in the shape of human joints.
Unlike active exoskeletons, the passive exoskeleton has no power sources, servomotors, electronics and various sensors.
This makes it lighter and more reliable (4 to 8 kg depending on the configuration).
In addition, an active exoskeleton is also being designed, and its working prototype has already been assembled.
As a passive exoskeleton the fully autonomous system significantly increases the physical abilities of a soldier, protects joints and the spine and can be adjusted to the height of a particular soldier. The exoskeletons are developed by TSNIITOCHMASH and GB Engineering.
“This prototype has already been tested during real military operations,” Abramov said. “The exoskeleton was tested by special detachments of the Russian Ministry of Defense and Internal Affairs bodies in years 2017-2018.
