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HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier) is an exoskeletal human enhancement system developed by Lockheed Martin, intended to help soldiers carry a load of up to 200 pounds at a top speed of 10 miles per hour^[1]. The system was announced at the AUSA Winter Symposium on February 26, 2009^[2].

Contents 1 Development 1.1 Funding 2 Technology and Features 3 Applications 4 See also 4.1 Press Releases 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Development

The man in charge of the HULC project is Doug Medcalf, Business Development Manager at Lockheed Martin. He says, "The soldier has the feeling of maybe an extra five to 10 pounds." Contrary to popular belief, the HULC is not named after the popular green comic book character The Incredible Hulk. Unlike other exoskeletons developed to augment human ability, it isn't limited to the length of a power cable^[1].

[edit] Funding

Currently, development is only funded through Lockheed Martin, but DARPA and other government agencies may soon assist financially.

[edit] Technology and Features

The HULC runs on four lithium-ion batteries nestled into a compartment in the small of the soldier's back, allowing for missions lasting up to 48 hours. HULC is also easy to put on. It arrives folded in a small package, so soldiers just have to stretch out a leg and step into foot beds underneath the boot. Straps then wrap around the thighs, waist and shoulders. Sensors in the foot pads relay information to an onboard microcomputer that moves the hydraulic system to amplify and enhance the wearer's movement. The flexibility of the system allows soldiers to run, walk, kneel, crawl, and even go into low squats. However, it can impede other movements, so it can easily be removed in approximately 30 seconds^[1].

[edit] Applications

Lockheed Martin originally developed the HULC to assist soldiers during combat. It could be used to help lift heavy loads while exerting minimal effort, with soldiers currently going into combat with up to 130 pounds of combat gear. Also, it could be used as a framework for body armor or sensor arrays that would allow for better situational awareness during combat. Lockheed Martin is also exploring exoskeleton designs to support industrial and medical applications^[3].

[edit] See also

• Lockheed Martin
• Exoskeleton

[edit] Press Releases

• http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2009/MFC_022609_LockheedMartinUnveilsExoskeleton.html

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Discovery.com
2. ^ Lockheedmartin.com
3. ^ Lockheedmartin.com

[edit] External links

• http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/hulc/index.html
• http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/06/hulc-exoskeleton.html