Technology

The HULC! Catch a Glimpse of the New ‘Exoskeleton’ That Could Revolutionize the Battlefield

The fact that Lockheed Martin’s latest piece of Army equipment is called the HULC (pronounced like the comic book character The Hulk) is appropriate. That’s because the pack management system works as a superhuman “exoskeleton.”

The name stands for Human Universal Load Carrier, and it’s meant to lighten a soldiers individual load while out in the field while also allowing him to carry things never thought possible. The description from Lockheed Martin is incredible:

The HULC is a completely un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton that provides users with the ability to carry loads of up to 200 lbs for extended periods of time and over all terrains. Its flexible design allows for deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting. There is no joystick or other control mechanism. The exoskeleton senses what users want to do and where they want to go.

Up to 200 lbs over all terrains? Senses what users want to do? That‘s what they’re saying. And it’s all battery powered.

Business Insider has put together a slideshow of pictures highlighting some of the system’s features:

The HULC! Catch a Glimpse of the New Exoskeleton That Could Revolutionize the Battlefield

The HULC! Catch a Glimpse of the New Exoskeleton That Could Revolutionize the Battlefield

The HULC! Catch a Glimpse of the New Exoskeleton That Could Revolutionize the Battlefield

The HULC! Catch a Glimpse of the New Exoskeleton That Could Revolutionize the Battlefield

The HULC! Catch a Glimpse of the New Exoskeleton That Could Revolutionize the Battlefield

The HULC! Catch a Glimpse of the New Exoskeleton That Could Revolutionize the Battlefield

Below, you can watch one of the promo videos for the HULC, complete with the appropriate heart-thumping music and one of the designers describing it as a “wearable robot:”

This is the HULC lifting some heavy equipment at recent trade show:

According to BI, The HULC is currently being tested at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Centre in Massachusetts. The next step is for it to undergo simulated battlefield testing.

To see more pictures of the incredible piece of machinery, visit Business Insider.

Comments (333)

1 2 3 ... 9
  • T-2
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:34am

    wonder if it works in the rain?

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:32am

    We can rebuild him, we have the technology.

    Report Post »  
  • Charlie Justice
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:29am

    Brought to you from the makers of Everything Else Innovative, USA

    Report Post » Charlie Justice  
  • Charlie Justice
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:27am

    Looks like Tony Stark has been taken seriously

    Report Post » Charlie Justice  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:27am

    I think that this very exciting when you consider the possible applications especially with future development. This is just the beginning for this type of technology, think of how much it will have evolved in 10 or 20 years. I find it a little comforting that a thread of technology developed for the military may very well be a great benefit for the disabled and for those who have a job that requires a great deal of repetitive lifting and/or carrying.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • Buck Bagaw
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:26am

    Would really be useful packing out elk quarters. I want one!

    Report Post »  
  • let us prey
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:25am

    Good concept.
    Our government will never use, they like to hamstring our military. The pretender in chief will likely try to give this to the enemy. He does not want this country to succeed and will continue to hand out bean bag guns.
    However, he may use this at election time to go door to door to eliminate all citizens who disagree with him.

    Report Post » let us prey  
    • shimauma
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:10pm

      “However, he may use this at election time to go door to door to eliminate all citizens who disagree with him.”

      As if barry hussien would know how to use it properly! A well armed citizen would have no problem popping him or any of his commie volunteers off the first step crossed over the property line.

      Report Post » shimauma  
  • CulperGang
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:24am

    I have no problem with a strong armed forces with all the technological advancement of hardware. What I do have a problem with is that it is used by RENEGADE POLITICIANS to destroy “other” world leaders whom THEY not “We the People” want to destroy under the banner of “National Security.” I do have a problem with RENEGADE POLITICIANS using American soldiers as FODDER in their personal power struggles with other world leaders.
    The Pentagon is a DISGRACE. Not protecting soldiers from a renegade Executive Branch who uses the Pentagon as a BULLY PULPIT around the world against leaders.
    The US Armed forces without the peoples consent are being USED by the UN to destroy other nations via CRIMINAL Executive Branch and the enabling Pentagon.
    The whole governmental system of the US in the 21st century is OUTSIDE of the Rule of Law of the United States Constitution. WE THE PEOPLE ARE THEIR CHESS PIECES TO BE USED AT WILL.

    THIS IS NOT “Home of the Free or the Brave.” We are slaves to a renegade filthy criminal enterprise that the US Government has become.

    Report Post » CulperGang  
  • handsoffmystuff
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:23am

    Coming soon to a Chinese dealer near you.

    Report Post »  
    • Ironeagle
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:59am

      You got that right, the ****** will reverse engineer it and mass produce it before we get out of the starting gate.

      Report Post » Ironeagle  
  • Marine Recon Dad
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:18am

    ….. forgot to add this…..

    If, as depicted in the photo, the Army has to have a soldier carry an artillery shell 10 miles with this suit, they are seriously f****d up….

    Out

    Report Post »  
    • The Monster
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:42am

      How about if the soldier has to carry an artillery shell 100 feet, then goes back to get another shell, and another, and another…? He’ll traverse a long distance total lugging those shells.

      How about a HULC-mounted GAU-17/A minigun? Would you like to be able to carry the firepower normally restricted to vehicles?

      Report Post »  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:17am

    @Richard Compton
    “This shouldn’t just be used for military applications, it has many more uses.”

    Where do you think so many medical advances enjoyed by civilians now came from? They came from the military. Ditto for things like the internet.

    So how about appreciating the role the military plays in spuring technological advances rather than resenting them enjoying the first fruits of their own work?

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • jmbogstad
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:57am

      All through the ages technological advances have always come from military applications. The real difference in our society is that once the gadgets are created for military application, we have the afluence in our populace to transfer them to the public. In the past most things that were created for the armies to fight better, either could not be afforded by the people or the people were not allowed to own them. Check out this invention:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On8eTIqhqRE

      Report Post »  
    • mark111
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:54am

      And the space program–there are literally hundreds of advancements that entrepeneurs and established entities have picked up from the space program and made into useful products to enhance, and even save, out lives. Instead of keeping the space program advancing, our President has cut its throat and is letting it bleed out draining a major artery for economic progress.

      Report Post »  
    • Beerbear
      Posted on July 8, 2011 at 12:39pm

      Uh… the internet comes from CERN.

      Report Post »  
  • Marine Recon Dad
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:17am

    What good is equipment like this if our ROE‘s don’t allow us to shoot at the bad guys. Really, what we need is more protection on their backsides – protection from the gov‘t that won’t allow them to fight like they should. Instead, they enter battle with both arms tied behind their backs because we can‘t ’upset the enemy’……

    …. another waste of money… give them bullets for their guns and step the hell out of the way.

    Semper Fi

    Report Post »  
    • CulperGang
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:46am

      MarineReconDad. Thank you for pointing that out. Today the strategy is DON’T SHOOT until they shoot at you. WTF is that? That is not warfare, that is a suicide mission. US military ,is fodder for political domination of people outside of the US and THEIR natural rescources = their wealth(.
      We the People left or right want nothing to do with this kind of so called “war” visited on other nations.
      This is just plain slaughter. ALL the so called EXIGENT situations were PROPS for, as an exuse to march into the middle east. Israel could have wiped out terrorism long time ago, if the US/UN would get out of her way. Bin Laden died of liver complications in 2002 he was a weak dying man. Isn’t he the reason we were there? apparently not. “They got him” So why are we still there?
      WE are creating insurrgents by our presence. The lefties got this right. BUT they are inconsistent liars and war mongering pigs too, because there is NO outcry against Obama continuing the Bush lies of need for being in the middle east.
      Left or Right on the HILL and the Executive Branch they are all liars and war mongering pigs. Except for a few. Ron Paul would pull us out. WHO CARES if they fall apart. RATHER them then MY culture and society.

      BTW Karl Rove(Fox advisor) is the flip side of David Axelrod. HE advised Rick perry to switch from the Democrat party to the Republican party. Rove/Axelrod=OBFUSCATION. THESE ARE POLITICAL ADVISERS?

      Report Post » CulperGang  
    • sbeejustsaying
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:58am

      @ recondad. Your right. Does this sound like Viet Nam to you? We all know how that turned out.

      Report Post » sbeejustsaying  
    • capt4503
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:25am

      Hoorah!

      Report Post »  
    • warrior21
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:28pm

      Absolutely right MRecon. Can u imagine using this in the jungles of Nam. It would get caught on every “just a Minute Vine”.

      Report Post » warrior21  
    • NoIPhone
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:40pm

      I agree with you. Give the men to abiltiy to fight our battles or bring them all home. They can win if allowed.

      Report Post »  
    • the wireworker
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:54pm

      MARINE RECON DAD WROTE:
      What good is equipment like this if our ROE‘s don’t allow us to shoot at the bad guys. Really, what we need is more protection on their backsides – protection from the gov‘t that won’t allow them to fight like they should. Instead, they enter battle with both arms tied behind their backs because we can‘t ’upset the enemy’……

      …. another waste of money… give them bullets for their guns and step the hell out of the way.

      MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY, THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE MARINE RECON DAD

      Report Post » the wireworker  
    • LetsGetReal
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:10pm

      Boy do I hear you! Wouldn’t it be nice if our guys were allowed to use their weapons instead of pretending they can talk the enemy into “just being nice”! Get our guys out of there and send missionaries! You can’t defeat lying ideologies with other lying ideologies. We have no military mission over there any more so just get them back home and safe where they can defend our country against the domestic enemies that have put their leader in the white house.

      Report Post »  
    • sixat28
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:10pm

      outstanding point!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Cocheta
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:18pm

      I’m a former Army officer with with a Marine Daughter in Afghanistan and the thing that scares me more than pansy ROEs are the politically-driven idiots that force them on our troops. Remember the ridiculous ROE that made the Beirut barracks a sitting duck? What ever happened to the old school way of winning wars? You know, “stomp the ever lovin’ crap out of the enemy until you get signed articles of surrender” kind of war. One of my military heroes is General Curtis LeMay. He once said “If you are going to use military force, then you ought to use overwhelming military force. Use too much and deliberately use too much. You’ll save lives, not only your own, but the enemy’s too.” The kind of politically-correct warfare we’ve engaged in the last 30 years just insures needless losses.

      http://www.vince4potus.org/ – An Alternative to Destructive Professional Politicians

      Report Post » Cocheta  
    • The Patriot
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 2:51pm

      right on brother metals for not shooting give me a break . PGR HD3

      Report Post »  
  • hifi74
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:16am

    That’s impressive, the cut where he was holding the riot shield leaving both hands free could do wonders for our men and women on the battle field as well. The beauties of the free market and the competition it creates is what made advancements like these too.

    Report Post » hifi74  
  • Shellback
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:15am

    Imagine if we could get this for our wives. We wouldn’t to have carry everything for them.

    Report Post » Shellback  
    • GdHUs
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:08pm

      Yeah, right. I’d end up wearing it internally by way of anal insertion if I even suggested it.

      Report Post » GdHUs  
    • sodacrackers2
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:22pm

      @shellback, are you my husband?

      Report Post »  
    • kevblk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:08pm

      Ok, now that is funny……The Blaze needs a “like” button or a thumbs up/down option….

      Report Post »  
  • Lost Shaker Assault
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:14am

    This is the future of non-atomic warfare.

    Report Post » Lost Shaker Assault  
  • DimmuBorgir
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:14am

    my knees are shot to hell… wish i had one of these back in 04

    Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:13am

    I have heard of this system in development for some time; and I would not be suprised that if the armed forces are showing this much info on it, there is already a production type going on right now.

    If it is a net asset for the troops, fine; if not though, then get rid of it.
    http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • thinkhard64
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:13am

    Yeah why didn’t they have that during the revolutionary war? DUH

    Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:11am

    If it works for our troops, let’s produce them.

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:09am

    Sure looks good. Hope that it does good also. That’s what most soldiers need is to be able to carry extra ammo and water especially when in hot climates.

    Report Post »  
    • CoryLE
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:50am

      The most monumental waist of money ever spent! 90% of what this multi million dollar “robot” can do can be done by a $6,000 ATV. Freekin stupid. Anyone in Washinton ever heard of “Cost Effective”? Why we come up with rediculous tech, our enimies are fighting with AK’s from the vienam era. Ever think we could become tooo tech dependant. Remeber WWII when the Germans had the best most amazing tanks but they couldnt produce enough so our crappy Shermans just overwelmed them in the field. Might take 5 Shermans to take out a Tiger, but we could produce 50 to there 1.

      Report Post » CoryLE  
    • HellPhish89
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:06pm

      we have M1A2′s and they are the best tank in the world at the moment. the Sherman got a lot of people killed. its a bad thing for your tankers to be meat for the grinder. you also fight the current war as much as the war of the future.

      Report Post »  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 3:52pm

      How about for us cripples? a wheel chair on legs. I like it.

      Report Post »  
  • Browncoat359
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:09am

    The comcept has been around for ages. The truly new part here is that it is untethered for once,that would seem to imply a certain confidence in the technology. I wonder how long it will be before this is field tested(for real,not in staged photo ops) and,how soon the President will take before realizing he accidentally allowed something useful to our armed services to be created.

    Report Post » Browncoat359  
    • Wes Hardin
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:30am

      It‘s too bad that the Repubs and tea baggers hate the troops so much that they won’t pay for the equipment.

      Report Post »  
    • Your Name Here
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:35am

      Obama knows this is around.
      He’s been wearing one for many years.
      George ‘Schwartz’ Soros has the remote control for it.
      It plugs into the back of his head like in The Matrix.

      Report Post » Your Name Here  
    • JohnHW
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:22am

      This has been in the works before this President took office. It is also a fairly low budget entry and little was put out to the media. Therefore, it was probably missed by the people in the WH who want to ruin our military. Now that it has appeared on these pages, watch it now. Try to find it in next year’s budget (or since this year’s is still not out – they can still cut the funding for it).

      Report Post » JohnHW  
    • Rfunk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:00pm

      Fortunately for us the president has no say in what Lockheed Martin chooses to invest their talents into developing due to them being a private business.

      Report Post »  
    • staggerlee32
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 8:53am

      LOL… are you kidding? This guy and his friends hate our military. He’s spreading them throughout the middle east just in the nick of time that he and his friends got the violent revolutions started there. He can‘t have 100’s of thousand active duty troops here at home that swore to defend the Constitution from enemies both foriegn and DOMESTIC! He know’s they are eneimies of the Constitution, he‘s just rolling the dice that most Americans don’t figure it out before they get their NWO and “new” military working for him here at home.

      Report Post » staggerlee32  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:09am

    How about using this technology to assist those who have lost the ability to be mobile i.e. paraplegic’s, or to assist the worker who lifts heavey loads day in and day out. This shouldn’t just be used for military applications, it has many more uses.

    Report Post »  
    • Biff Marupis
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:18am

      I’m sure that eventually there will be crossover. Many things in the civilian world have military genesis.

      Report Post » Biff Marupis  
    • Thomas Payne
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:28am

      What makes you think they are not?

      Report Post » Thomas Payne  
    • kdzndogdad
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:10am

      @Richard Compton – It will be. As with a lot of new technologies, the military are going to be the first to develop because of cost. Are you old enough to remember the first computers (developed as a direct outgrowth of the space program)? I remember a friend telling me he was getting one for “only” something like $5000, and it was barely useful for balancing a checkbook. Look what $5000 will get you now. Once it has been “proven” by the military, I am sure that it will be open for development by private companies. It may take a while, but I’d be willing to be it will happen.

      Report Post »  
    • TxSon
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:22am

      It’ll get there. Be patient. Military innovation with commercial applications ALWAYS make their way to the market. The sad thing is the tax payers won’t be reimbursed for the development costs when it does!

      Report Post » TxSon  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:26am

      That is the one good side of these military actions, the money pumped into the military produces some great things for the population of the planet in general. Military spending is great for the economy, blaming it for our troubles is insane, we were doing fine until all the spending we do paying crack heads to visit casino‘s and water parks when they aren’t pumping out more crack head babies caught up with us.

      Report Post »  
    • Doom2022
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:35am

      If we as a nation are going to spend 2 Trillion, let’s spend it on the space program rather than exoskeletons. The side benefits to the economy and new technology could be the same or greater and it would allow humans to move one step further in exploring our universe.

      Report Post » Doom2022  
    • Old-School Patriot
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:51am

      Who said it wouldn’t be?

      This technology is in it’s infancy and the spin-off applications are unlimited.

      This is American ingenuity at work. Just keep the bureaucrats out of the way and everything will be fine.

      Report Post »  
    • NewRodeo
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:54am

      where do you think most of the mobility innovations have come from?

      Report Post »  
    • Crus8r
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:56am

      Almost all of todays modern advances in technology and medicine have come from military research and developement. It may start out as something for military use, but always finds its way into the civilian sector (usually perfected or significantly imporved over the military design). The civilian or private sector versions of most things thought up and initially created through military contractors are far superior to the early stages of military use and implimentation. Hang on to your sock Richard, I’m sure the technology used for this equipment will hit the civilian market in record time, there is just to much money to be made from it. Your next commute to work will most likely be a simple jog down the interstate at 60mph!

      Report Post » Crus8r  
    • Rablum13
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:13am

      Most technology we use today was first developed for military use. It won‘t be long before it’s used for other civilian applications. In the mean time, we’re ahead of the enemy.

      Report Post »  
    • Mrjonesj11
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:34am

      Most Military inventions do end up in civilian hands. The internet for example DARPA net.

      Report Post » Mrjonesj11  
    • TripleG
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Richard, This is a typical start for new technology. The military or space program get it and develop it and then the general population gets it. Basically uncle Sam takes our money to pay for R&D and then we freely give our money to get our hands on it :)

      Report Post »  
    • EyeofthePatriot
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:05pm

      RICHARD,

      This type of thing has occured with COUNTLESS technologies. It is first researched and designed for use in military type applications.. using high dollar contracts for state of the art designs and research.

      Once it is proven and gets true military applications the technology trickles down into the private sector where many different things can be done to it. Many of these technologies are even just the concepts themselves and seeing them play out in a real world environment.

      I mean the medium of which we are communicating right now… the internet… began primarily as a military technology and means of communication.

      Report Post » EyeofthePatriot  
    • mikelivi
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:18pm

      Take it easy Richard, they will. Just give them some time….they will my friend……

      Report Post »  
    • TiltingWindmills
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:06pm

      Most of these types of innovations historically begin in the military and then they migrate to us civilians.

      Report Post » TiltingWindmills  
    • ruskyblaz
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:41pm

      Hi Richard, the company hasn’t the money yet, to offer this technology to the world. It would be prohibitively expensive. The military has the money to work with the company in it’s application so that kinks and bugs can be resolved. If the the company would get a big contract with the military, it would have the money for research to apply the technology for other uses, like the ones you suggest. You make a great point, and this demonstrates why big military budgets are useful for us all and not just for soldiers. There are enumerable and immeasurable spin off applications of things that originated with defense spending…like the internet.

      Report Post »  
    • LostThenFound
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:57pm

      Richard you are right!! The creative ability of man is brought thru war, which is unfortunate. We could put resources into other problems that need solving, but that would not create as much revenue. It really comes down to people. The scientists, engineers, and other specialists that create these suits are the real problem. These people have a choice to either build for WAR or the general public. I say shame on them, they are so intelligent but lack WISDOM. This is our downfall… though it could change in a simple train of thought just by saying “No, this device can be used to help elsewhere”.

      Report Post »  
    • TunaBlue
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:58pm

      It will make its way into the private sector. Much of the advanced tech we now use daily came our space programs. Besides, there’s as much innovation in the private sector for this type of tech as there is in the military.

      Report Post »  
    • HellPhish89
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:03pm

      because it all starts with a military use

      Report Post »  
    • Browncoat359
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:10pm

      Hey Compton,this thing is still new tech;the last thing we want is to strap some poor bastard into thins thing and have it malfunction and crush him. Like it or not,soldiers are guinea pigs by virtue of having already agreed to risk their lives.
      This thing is just reality finally catching up with science-fiction and comicbooks. Ever watch “Aliens” or read “Iron Man”?
      Ain‘t nothing new under the sun but at least we finally know how to build some of the stuff we’ve been dreaming up.

      Report Post » Browncoat359  
    • shofar
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:28pm

      Richard,
      Most innovations/inventions that end up having commercial use and applicability were created by the military or the space program. Things like microwaves, GPS, infrared sensors (ear thermometer), computer aided design, I could go on.

      It takes time for these things to make their way to civilian application, but they do. That was one of the pluses of the space race. It brought huge advancements to society all in the name of beating the Russians. That is why it is such a shame and disgrace that our space program is slowly being phased out. The technological benefits alone would be worth the cost.

      Yes, I know that there are those that say the private sector could make the same advances, but the speed at which some of these technologies were developed took the motivation to beat others to the moon.

      Report Post » shofar  
    • Watchingfromafar
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:45pm

      Very good point. One good thing about military based inventions is that they can be adapted for civilian use.
      Rex Bionics have built robotic legs for paraplegic people.
      http://www.youtube.com/user/rexbionics

      Report Post »  
    • RVing-Patriot
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 3:10pm

      In due time, I’m sure you will see this technology for the disabled. I can imagine seeing my adult daughter born with spina bifida running someday.

      Report Post » RVing-Patriot  
    • Gamer234
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 3:31pm

      Actually the whole reason these things were invented was due to federal funding of research to assist the elderly and also to study the bio mechanics of movement.
      The military application is just the lucrative aspect.
      As with many inventions military funding usually inspires further development and funding, just the nature of the beast.

      Report Post »  
    • darkloch
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 3:59pm

      the only way to get a complete work out the bugs thing going is to first apply military applications and then civilian application . you will see this soon in a hospital near you….

      Report Post »  
    • HermanK
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:34pm

      That is one of the benifits of having the greatest military in the world. Excellent equipment is designed for them, with an eye to non-military applications n the future. As has been the case with NASA in the past. Unfortunately NASA has been reduced to monitoring the envionment by BHO’s administration. We will be hitching a ride to space with the Russians. I suppose soon we will be buying such technology from the Russians or Iranians too.

      Report Post »  
    • 4blackhorses
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:55pm

      @ RICHARD COMPTON,

      Don’t get your panties in a knot, if you’d read any of the text it did mention applying the benefits of the HULC to the physically impaired. In fact you might be surprised at just how many household and societal items we enjoy today resulted directly from ideas or new inventions to be used in past warfare.

      Report Post »  
    • shoemake13
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 5:03pm

      Pretty sure they will sell this to who ever will buy it. Usually companies like this market to the military first because it is so expensive to research and develop the average person cant afford it. I guess with obamacare coming on maybe the government will buy one for everyone.

      Report Post »  
    • sabrinacle
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 4:31am

      dont worry. We will ALL be able to afford one. The Fed will just print more money!

      Report Post » sabrinacle  
    • BigKevin
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 5:15pm

      No money in that…

      Report Post » BigKevin  
    • The_Eye
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 5:38pm

      Richard, most things the Military comes up with gets rolled out to the general public sooner or later. There was a few shows on Discovery channel I believe that showed all of the inventions of the military that have gone on to the civilian population which have made life better. (check their website, they may be streaming it)
      I would be shocked if withing 5 years this isn’t being used for medical purposes for those with stunted mobility and for general laborers who carry heavy loads to increase efficiency. It‘s just a matter of the price coming down and the technology being released I’m sure.

      Report Post »  
    • littlemilton
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 6:14pm

      they already have

      Report Post »  
    • AWAKENEDAWARE
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 6:55pm

      MANY MANY technologies originally developed by NASA, DARPA, and other “taxpayer funded” operations end up as benefits to our American civilian populace.

      Report Post » AWAKENEDAWARE  
    • crutcher1212
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:31pm

      I’d bet those applications are on the way. Keep in mind, your microwave was developed by Ray-o-therm. The technology started with military usage first.

      Report Post »  
    • LawlessKO
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:26pm

      You are correct it does have many useful applications. And like most of our technology the military puts the money in and gets it first. The boom in the 90‘s was directly tied to the military technology of the 80’s. In time this will be available to all.

      Report Post » LawlessKO  
    • scotticus
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:39pm

      It will make it’s way over into the private sector eventually. Probably cost as much as a bobcat.

      Report Post » scotticus  
    • Neuhouser
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 1:52am

      with how this looks like it works I’m not sure this could be used to help a paraplegic. It appears to have pressure sensors on the inside of all of the joints so it can sense movement of the person within the suit and move with them, not move by itself. It could possibly help someone with weakened muscles but I don’t think that the HULC is self balancing either so even a person with weakened muscles could have a hard time using it.

      Report Post » Neuhouser  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 10:25am

      If a person cannot move a limb, this powered exoskeleton is useless…no application for para and quadroplegics, but for those who have some movement, possible.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 6:33pm

      military comes first…the civilian market will catch up and make gazillian $$$.

      Report Post »  
    • csledbetter
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 7:00pm

      This has a long way to go before paraplegics can use it. The computer senses the wearer’s movements and helps him mechanically. It can’t sense movement from a paraplegic…they don’t move. Once bio-science perfects implantable neuro-devices and a way to “train” the computer to understand the output, then this technology will be ready to be used for paraplegics. Until then there are plenty of applications for this in the military and in industry.

      Report Post » csledbetter  
    • Goldlady
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 10:01pm

      @RichardCompton
      The possible use for paraplegics was mentioned at the end of the first video. I’m sure many other applications have been considered for this for many years, during development.

      Report Post »  
    • metalurgy
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 11:35pm

      @ Dick Thomson

      Are you serious? Do you pay attention to what you read? Can you use any logic? The ARMY isn’t using this yet. It is still being tested as proof of concept.
      How will a parapalegic use this without legs? It’s not designed for prosthetics, it is designed for war. What company that employs dock workers are going to spend 10 million per employee to use this thing?

      Did you vote for Obama? Good lord. No wonder this country is going down the shithole. The art of critical thought and reason is not being taught nor anywhere to be found.

      IT’S STILL BEING TESTED. It will probably fail miserably under combat situations. It’s hydraulic. What happens if a bullet sprouts a leak? Will the soldier (guinnea pig) get crushed under the additional wieght and snap some bones or explode a knee cap under the additional weight? If that happens, it’s back to the drawing board for redesign.

      Good Lord save us from ourselves.

      Report Post » metalurgy  
    • clarity2199
      Posted on July 8, 2011 at 8:31am

      It probably could in the future. A lot of stuff starts with the military and then comes to us, later. I think this is a great forward push in robotics. It’ll be interesting to see what this does for everyone in the future.

      Report Post »  
  • loadingmyclips
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:08am

    we keep piling all this bullsht on our men and the taliban is runing around in pajamas!

    Report Post » loadingmyclips  
    • Doom2022
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:10am

      @Loading
      And they have donkeys to pack the heavy stuff…

      Report Post » Doom2022  
    • john1417
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:14am

      Yea thats why they have to resort to lowing themselves up…..

      Report Post »  
    • tnalp
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:24am

      And hiding behind women and children for safety.

      Report Post »  
    • TPaine
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:33am

      And winning! THe (once0 most powerful military in the world, with massive firepower, killer drones, and (supposed) limitless manpower is being held off by a bunch of camel-riding ragheads with AK’s and RPGs and IEDs.

      Something to consider when lookinng back on the American Revolution: a bunch of colonists (probably less than 3% of the then population) took on and defeated the most powerful army in the world. So when “some people” say that there is no way American patriots today can stand up to their corrupt leaders…

      Report Post » TPaine  
    • rogue operator
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:44am

      At least until they get hit with a rocket propelled grenade the size of their heads, they do!

      Report Post » rogue operator  
    • Lamarr01
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:34pm

      The Defense Department can’t spend enough money. In Viet Nam B52′s would bomb a jungle path to possibly kill a North Vietnamese pushing his bicycle loaded with supplies. The cost to kill one North Vietnamese using this method was $100,000 in 1970. The North Vietnamese would patch up the trail the next night.

      In Iraq the cruise missiles costing about $1.5 million would blow up a chicken coop worth about thirty-five cents. A member of the Taliban may use an AK47 manufactured in 1960 that was purchased for 3 live chickens and a photo of Pamela Anderson. No invading force has ever won in Afghanistan. This dates back to Alexander the Great. How would you know you won? In a year or a decade the same AK47 will be sold to someone else representing some other tribe.

      Report Post » Lamarr01  
    • vernva
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:53pm

      That’s one reason our kill ratios are off set. We get many more of them since Pjs have no protection. This is not armor, but it looks like it would not be difficult to incorporate amour into it.
      My concern is this is one step closer to the terminator scenario.

      Report Post »  
    • far2right
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:55pm

      No, panties. As in panty bombers. I like it that technology is helping to keep my son safe while he’s over in that God-forsaken country. I sometimes wonder if we should be bragging about our killing technology in front of our enemies though. Allows the nut jobs to plan new strategies.

      Report Post »  
    • sabrinacle
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:36pm

      God bless you and your son.Prayers to you and your family

      Report Post » sabrinacle  
    • ICEDRAGONNITE
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:37pm

      That’s why they keep getting lead poisoning

      Report Post » ICEDRAGONNITE  
    • BarbieDoll
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:04pm

      Interesting question.

      Report Post » BarbieDoll  
    • Scaz
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 3:03pm

      And winning, no less.

      Report Post » Scaz  
    • uzi4u2
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:36pm

      I agree, they need to CUT back on what they carriy. I see these guys out on patrol with 150lb packs and I wonder if they REALLY need all that. I was stationed in Korea and used to watch the Korean Marines. They take a little food and a poucho and ammo and weapon. What more do you need? I know we have the best military in the world, but I get the feeling that we rely too much on technology and don’t train our people to “ruff it” when it counts. Too many “nicaties” I sure the guys in combat in WW2 didn’t carry all this stuff, are we any less tough than them?

      Report Post »  
    • Grady
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 6:24pm

      I bet the death count of pajama wearer’s are higher than ours

      Report Post »  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 6:38pm

      they’re not coming up with all that bullsh** to fight the taliban in their PJ’s,, they’re looking at fighting me in down on Main St. in Hometown, USA…..

      Report Post » DonaldH  
    • PaBowHunter
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:36pm

      Exactly….how about we stop trying to utilize technology to do what we are already good at. We can kill those MF’ers, we’re just not alloweed to do so. This is a waste of money.

      Report Post »  
    • teacherskj
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 11:23am

      If the politicians ever got out of the way the pajama boys would be eliminated.

      Report Post »  
    • Who would Jesus bomb?
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 12:29pm

      I will take the HULC, you can have the pajamas.

      Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
  • acemobile
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:08am

    Why didn’t the Army have that when I was in the infantry

    Report Post »  
    • Paratrooper
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:43pm

      Lol….. Hooah!

      Report Post »  
    • Rick57
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:19pm

      Technology my friend technoloogy. Of course if you had served under cater then you know as do I that it wouldn’t have mattered, if it had been available you wouldn’t have gotten it anyway. Dumbocrats want to eliminate the military rather than maintain it.

      Report Post » Rick57  
    • Paratrooper
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:03pm

      Lol…. Hooah!

      Report Post »  
  • acemobile
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:06am

    Why didn’t the Army have that when I was in the infantry.

    Report Post »  
    • Rickfromillinois
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:19am

      I’m with you. There were a lot of times when by the end of the day that ruck had really kicked my butt.

      Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
    • kenny d from Suffolk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:25am

      It would have interferred with your flintlock rifle. :-)

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:21am

      Kinda interesting that we spend as much on the military as the rest of the world combined and can’t seem to make headway against fighters in tribal garb and 20 year old automatic weapons we gave them to defeat Russia. When we could benefit so much from better energy technology, it’s good to see we are directing our excess DOD spending on something useful.

      Report Post »  
    • CrazyJ
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:54am

      yea instead of those black powder muskets and front loading cannons, time for an upgrade Army.

      Report Post » CrazyJ  
    • drphil69
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:54am

      Doubtful that it will be in the infantry any time soon. In fact, it give us an “unfair” advantage, and imagine how many starving children could be fed with the money spent on just one of these! Surely, Obama will kill this project and gut military spending even as we are now involved in 6 “kinetic military actions” in the middle east.

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:58am

      This is cool. I wonder if it will also have civilian applications for the handicapped?
      I hope no criminals use this for hurting anyone.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • nysparkie
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:08am

      I AM THE HULK. I don’t need no sissy hydraulics. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

      Report Post » nysparkie  
    • southernORcobra
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:30am

      don’t worry it will get canned before they implement it

      Report Post »  
    • captaincrunch
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:56am

      Call me when they can mount a .50 cal machine gun (M-2) on one of thease HULC suits with a butt load of ammo so our guys can chase Hadji up moutainsides in Afghanistan at 10 mph blasting away.

      Report Post »  
    • enduro
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:27pm

      I know what you mean. I was volunteered to be the 60 cal man since i was bigger. I had to walk around carrying my back pack, rifle, magazines, canteen, gasmask, 60 cal, tri pod and ammo inbetween setting up locations in the field. I guarantee its was around 200 lbs. lol.. they called me the hulk also.

      Report Post » enduro  
    • ConstitutionalPatriot
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:32pm

      Are you John Connor?… I’m looking for John Connor…I’lllll be baaaacckkk!

      Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:37pm

      Any thing that gives our troops the advantage… Go for it!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • shakedowncrews
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:38pm

      because you guys were so tough you didn’t need it! Hooowah!

      Report Post » shakedowncrews  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:18pm

      Wow – quite a system!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-18p

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • TennesseeConservative
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:35pm

      There is another version of this called the democraskeleton, it adds weight to the soldier steals his energy and shortens his ability to do anything. Approved by the democratic party. Not to popular with the troops though.

      Report Post » TennesseeConservative  
    • beijingyank
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:55pm

      Wow, I’m with you. Puts a new definition on the word “grunt.”
      Running ten miles an hour? This is awesome. Got to cost a fortune.

      Report Post » beijingyank  
    • Dachande
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 3:00pm

      Why would you seriously want that DARPA piece of crap?

      The only thing DARPA is good at is wasting money on what might seem like a good idea if someone else was conducting the R&D.

      Unless it’s complete powered armor that has jump jets, I don’t want it.

      I want less gear, less crap, less reliance on crappy technology that constantly fails on the battlefield.

      Report Post »  
    • tangonine
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 4:51pm

      Because the Army didn’t like you.

      Report Post »  
    • Banjo Bulldog
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:36pm

      Will this make the army kinda of like the Marines?

      Report Post » Banjo Bulldog  
    • 1proudAmerican
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:32pm

      I love it. Now if only the military could have their hands untied, we’d kiss some @ss,

      Report Post »  
    • RightOnMom
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:40pm

      I would seriously love to get my hands on a set to go backpacking!! I‘m hoping they’ll go commercial soon. Don’t need the lifting part, but with that kind of support, I might be able to keep up with my son better! Lockheed…if you need a tester, I’ll be first in line!!

      Report Post »  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:31pm

      That‘s not all the Army didn’t have back in the old days. DADT repeal cured that.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • cykoaudio
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 10:57am

      now we know why we are in this unending unwinnable war in Afghanistan….to test all the armed forces new toys on the “battlefield”..Iraq is a democracy, we got Osama..why are we there still?

      Report Post » cykoaudio  
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