We (Tim Schubert and Robert Weidner) had the opportunity to present the final results of a scientific project at the WIS (Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protection Technologies and CBRN) as part of the WIS colloquium. The focus was on the development of two active prototypes of exoskeletons to support soldiers during physically demanding tasks in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) scenarios.

One exoskeleton was developed to support the lower back during tasks such as lifting and shovelling, while the second exoskeleton focused on the shoulder and neck muscles during overhead tasks such as decontamination with a spray lance. A key challenge of the project was to integrate the exoskeletons into CBRN suits so that they could be used in contaminated environments without compromising safety or mobility. Both exoskeletons were biomechanically evaluated and showed promising results in terms of reducing muscle strain on soldiers in extensive laboratory and field tests.