Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory: Difference between revisions

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In 2009 the laboratory/[[Berkeley Bionics]] unveiled ''HULC'', which stands for [[Human Universal Load Carrier]].''HULC'' is a more sophisticated and capable development of the above projects. It can carry a 200-pound load, and reduces the metabolic energy needed by the wearer to perform a given task. "In this way the device can significantly increase the range and length of tasks the wearer can perform."<ref name=MMag/><ref>[http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/hulc/ ''HULC''] Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. Retrieved 29 January 2012.</ref>

In particular, ''HULC'' has potential military uses, and in 2009 a licensing and development agreement was reached with [[Lockheed Martin]].<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2009/february/LockheedMartinUnveilsExos.htmlLockheedMartin Unveils Exoskeleton Technology at AUSA Winter Symposium] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094300/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2009/february/LockheedMartinUnveilsExos.htmlLockheedMartin |date=2016-03-04 }} ''Lockheed Martin'', 26 February 2009.</ref>

''HULC'' lends itself to augmentation with devices that can be mounted on the back of its exoskeleton. One such device, the Lift Assist Device, lets operators carry front loads as well as loads on their back. It also "allows single operators to safely lift heavy loads that currently require two or more people".<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/mfc/pc/hulc/mfc-hulc-pc-02.pdfULCTMwith Lift Assist Device] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092037/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/mfc/pc/hulc/mfc-hulc-pc-02.pdfULCTMwith |date=2016-03-04 }} Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory, 2010.</ref>

Austin project named after in honor of its first human test subject Austin Whitney, a [[University of California, Berkeley]] graduate, is a series of technologies that lead to low cost exoskeleton systems for individuals with mobility disorders.<ref>{{cite web|title=Austin|url=http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/research/exoskeleton/medical-exoskeleton/|publisher=[[University of California, Berkeley]]|accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Zax|first=David|title=A Robotic Exoskeleton Works Miracles|url=http://www.technologyreview.in/blog/helloworld/26775/|publisher=[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]]|accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref>