I like that Sci Fi ‘inventions’ become real.

Exoskeletons (a normal attribute for insects and crustaceans) are now finding their way into mankind’s world.

They exist…for medical and industrial as well as military uses:

The first is the ‘Walker’ for paralyzed people which is undergoing medical trials prior to FDA approval.

The second is ‘HULC’ (http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2011/june/LockheedMartinsHULCRoboti.html) helping soldiers to carry heavier loads more rapidly of rough terrain (up to 200 lbs. – XOS Raytheon’s suit). The appliance weighs about 50 lbs. and its battery lasts about 72 hrs.

Japan’s HAL-5 (imo an unfortunate name) is designed for civilian disaster response (website: http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/zanespal/WC%20Arts%204/cyberdyne_zps86f416c2.jpg).

Lockheed-Martin and the Navy are also developing the FORTIS for civilian use:

“Ship maintenance often requires use of heavy tools, such as grinders, riveters or sandblasters,” said Adam Miller, director of new initiatives at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Those tools take a toll on operators due to the tools’ weight and the tight areas where they are sometimes used. By wearing the FORTIS exoskeleton, operators can hold the weight of those heavy tools for extended periods of time with reduced fatigue.”- Lockheed-Martin

So, the goals are pretty realistic (at this point). These aren’t Ripley’s fork lift/Alien fighting powered unit from “Aliens” nor the “Marauder”, “Command” and “Scout” models written about in Heinlein’s “Starship Troopers”.

But…if you’re at all like me, you wondered and imagined how they might  look (http://starshiptroopers.tumblr.com/).