Category:Exoskeletons

A powered exoskeleton (電動外骨格), also known as powered armour, exosuit, or simply exoskeleton, is a wearable mobile machine that is powered by a system of motors, pneumatics, levers or hydraulics that allow for limb movement, increased strength and endurance.

Exoskeletons are found in a wide variety of environments. They are almost standard equipment in civilian industrial use, and find wide use in emergency applications such as rescue and firefighting. Medical exoskeletons exist to enable to disabled to be mobile, acting as a cheaper and less invasive alternative to mechanical prosthetics. Exoskeletons designed for soldiers are known as combat exoskeletons, and increase endurance along with possibly allowing the direct mounting of weaponry, armoured plating or other equipment on the exoskeleton's frame.

Utility
Utility exoskeletons are the most widespread exoskeletons in the Empire, and primarily aim to provide increased strength and endurance for the user in order to carry out industrial tasks such as lifting loads across long distances. The vast majority of civilian exoskeletons are made for utility purposes, and military forces also use these civilian models for basic logistics functions.

A wide variety of utility exoskeletons are available for almost all industrial purposes, including types that incorporate power tools into the arms or can be used as portable generators.

Power supply
Some civilian exoskeletons, particularly older types, are still powered directly by cable attachments to portable generators.

Type-23 support frame
Main article: Type-23 support frame

The Type-23 support frame is a basic exoskeleton for ground troops. It confers increased mobility and strength for the soldier wearing the exoskeleton. It consists of a titanium frame attached to the soldier's body via magnetic clamps and velcro straps. The arms, legs and spine are supported, with the power source being an electric motor located on the upper back. A highly modular design, the support frame is able to mount various modifications to improve the soldier's capabilities in the field, such as short-jump rockets or grenade launchers.

The Type-23 support frame is used mainly by the SNLF, where every single marine is equipped with a support frame into combat. The Imperial Army also makes use of the Type-23, but only for specialised soldiers such as squad support gunners. Another user of the Type-23 is the Kempeitai's Special Response Unit.