Exoclimber from Berkely Bionics

ExoClimber™ is designed to allow rapid ascent of stairs and steep slopes while providing the same long term load carrying capability of ExoHiker™.

Weight: 50 lbf including power unit and on-board computer.

• Payload: the wearer feels no vertical load with weight up to 150 lbf.
• Noise: As quiet as an office printer.
• Mission Range : At least 600 foot ascent per pound of battery while carrying 150 pound payload.

  Example: The Empire State Building is 1200' tall and one would require a two-pound battery to carry a 150-pound load to its top floor.

  Other optional energy sources include a small fuel cell.

• Interface: small hand-held LCD display.
• Special features: Easy-Stow™ retractable legs, quick release emergency egress from backpack and/or exoskeleton.

The construction of ExoClimber™ was completed in October 2005. SORSE was tasked by USSOCOM to conduct an evaluation of this Exoskeleton in Flat Irons Mountain Range of Boulder, CO during 13-17 Dec 05.  This area was selected for its high altitude trails, where the elevation can change as much as 1000' in as little as one half of a mile.  The Rangers were able to perform maneuvers that they initially were unable to complete without the aid of the ExoClimber™.  After a thorough assessment, the report ends by stating: "the future missions for this device will only be limited by the imagination of the SOF operators using it".

source: www.berkeleybionics.com