Super fireman! The hi-tech exoskeleton that can give firefighters superhuman abilities



The suit can carry loads up to 91kg



Exoskeleton is strapped over the firefighters’ clothing

Attachments such as a high pressure hose can be placed on arms

A radical new suit for the firefighter of the future has been revealed that could give them superhuman strength.

The exoskeleton would allow firefighters to easily rescue and carry people out of fires, or take heavy equipment up flights of stairs inside a burning building.

It can be fitted with a range of gadgets for different mission, including a high pressure water hose that simply clips onto the arm.

The exoskeleton gives firefighters increased strength, and can be fitted with a range of accessories such as the water cannons shown here.

The suit allows firefighters to easily climbs dozens of flights of stairs without exhausting themselves

'Each year, an estimated 15,500 high-rise structure fires cause 60 civilian deaths, 930 injuries, and $252 million in property loss,' said Melbourne designer Ken Chen.



'High-rise buildings can hold thousands of people well above the reach of fire department aerial devices, once the fire is above the operational reach of aerial ladder or elevating platforms the chance of rescuing victims is near zero. '

To help solve the problem, Chen designed a strap on exoskeleton to boost firefighter's strength and allow them to easily climb high buildings.



'The A.F.A exoskeleton suit aim to increases firefighters’ performance in walking ,running and carrying while high-rise fire fighting,' he explained.



How it works: Joystick controls allow the firefighter to control the system, while a computer mounted on the back sends commands to the arms and legs

The suit can carry loads up to 91kg and is strapped over the firefighters’ clothing. The device transfers its weight and any carried loads load directly to the ground, so firefighters don’t bear the weight. The weight of exo-suit is about 23kg, and it measures 1.6meter. The device transfers its weight and oad directly to the ground, so firefighters don¿t bear the weight

Researchers say the kit could be adapted for different missions and types of firefighter

Chen said the lithium battery can offer a 2 hours operation time.



The exo-suit has two actuator & sensor units at back and 10 actuator units in each joint, with a control computer build in the main frame and held at the waist.

The exoskeleton straps on over a firefighters existing clothing

The suit is designed to help with the huge amount of equipment firefighters need to carry, shown here.

Dozens of prototypes of the suit have been produced as the idea was refined

when not in use, the suits are relatively small are can be kept in a fire truck