'Soft' exoskeleton could lighten the load for soldiers

Last year, US Army-funded plans for a flexible exosuit designed to help soldiers carry heavy loads were revealed. Now, a new study has shown exactly how much energy the soft exosuit can save. Results published in a new paper show the suit reduces the effort it takes to walk by 23 per cent, by assisting the wearer's ankles and hips every time they take a step. The suit reduces the effort it takes to walk by 23 per cent, by assisting the wearer's ankles and hips every time they take a step. The Harvard suit comprises a waist belt, two thigh pieces and two calf straps, connected by cables to two motors mounted on a backpack.