Paratroopers test exoskeletons for carrying heavy shells – video

Ukraine's 7th Rapid Response Corps has begun testing exoskeletons – they are already being used in logistics and at combat positions.

Source: 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The Corps noted that samples have been delivered to units. In particular, they are already being used on the Pokrovsk front in the 147th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Air Assault Forces.

An exoskeleton is an external mechanical structure attached to the body which enhances human movement with the help of battery-powered electric drives.

As seen in a video published by the corps, the system is a leg exoskeleton designed as rigid arcs with hinged joints along the thighs and knees.

"Every day, artillerymen endure significant physical strain. They carry 15-30 shells daily, each weighing around 50 kg. According to test results, they become less fatigued, work faster, and maintain combat effectiveness for longer," said Colonel Vitalii Serdiuk, Head of the Rocket Forces and Artillery and Deputy Commander of the 7th Air Assault Corps.

According to the stated specifications, the exoskeleton can reduce muscle strain by up to 30%, maintain movement speeds of up to 20 km/h, and operate over distances of up to 17 km on a single battery charge.

The video also suggests that the structure weighs about 2 kg and is made from an aluminium alloy. The system uses artificial intelligence to analyse the user's movements and adapt support in real time.

The system also features around 10 intelligent operating modes, adapts to load in real time, and can function in temperatures ranging from -10°C to +60°C.

"The exoskeleton can be fully used without a mobile app. It has buttons for basic control. However, the app allows for custom settings - for example, enabling AI mode or adjusting power," Serhii Lefter, press officer for the 7th Rapid Response Corps, told Ukrainska Pravda.

According to the press officer, the cost of the exoskeleton amounts to several tens of thousands of hryvnias.

The corps adds that the introduction of such technologies is part of developing "techno-air assault" capabilities, a concept focused on using state-of-the-art systems in air assault operations.

Background: Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that the 7th Rapid Response Corps trains soldiers to repel Russian FPV drone attacks using virtual reality technologies, particularly VR headsets and a special dummy pump-action shotgun.

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