Eurosatory 2016: RB3D showcases its latest generation exoskeleton Hercules

Defence & Security News - France
 
Eurosatory 2016: RB3D showcases its latest generation exoskeleton Hercules
Stelios Kanavakis - Senior Defence Analyst
 
At the French Forces pavilion RB3D showcases the latest generation of its exoskeletons, the Hercules. The new exoskeleton its currently under development with funding from DGA – the French Defence Procurement Agency.
     
Eurosatory 2016 RB3D showcases its latest generation exoskeleton Hercules 1
The "Hercule" exoskeleton takes the weight off the user's hand compared to the previous version and transfers it directly on the ground.
     

The company started the development of the exoskeletons in 2009 and the current model – the Hercules – is the fourth generation. Due to the exoskeletons’ dual natural, that is being ideal for the defence and the civilian market, the previous one was sold to a construction company.

Hercules is made of aluminum. It has a weight of 17 kg and can lift weights up to 60 kg. Its operation is powered by a set of batteries, which provide autonomy between three and six hours, depending on the use. It can be charged in three hours.

Hercules does not use any sensors to record the human motions. The system’s operation is based on an algorithm that “understands” the motion of the user’s limbs and follows them.

As Army Recognition has learned, the exoskeleton will undergo evaluation tests by the end of this year.
 
Eurosatory 2016 RB3D showcases its latest generation exoskeleton Hercules 2