Exoskeleton simulator could save Army millions.

• Author: Versprille, Allyson

* A software tool currently being developed to simulate the effects robotic exoskeletons have on soldiers could save the Army millions, according to the CEO of [RE.sup.2] Robotics, the company creating the system.

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Exoskeletons have the ability to prevent soldier injuries caused by heavy loads. The Pentagon is currently working on several projects to advance this technology, most notably Special Operations Command's tactical assault light operator suit.

The biomechanical exoskeleton simulator system created by [RE.sup.2]--a company known for its development of robotic manipulator arms--will model the impact of load carriage and body-wearable robotic devices on musculoskeletal health and performance.

"It's costly to develop prototypes... so one way to reduce those costs is to model the effects that these prototypes and products would have on the human body before you build it," said Jorgen Pedersen, the president and CEO of [RE.sup.2]. "Ultimately you could be saving millions of dollars in development costs." Such an approach could also speed up the process for building exoskeletons and getting the gear to soldiers on the battlefield, he said.

The technology is being created as part of a small business innovation research program with the Army. In February, the service awarded the company a $1 million phase 2 contract. During this stage--which...