We are always fascinated with developments in exoskeletons as resources are being devoted by militaries around the world to develop this technology to allow soldiers to carry loads at great distances without causing too much fatigue and muscles stress. This in turn can give great advantages to the military that is equipped with this as their soldiers can fight better as they are not burdened much by the weight of their warfighting gear.

The problem that some of the prototypes being developed is that they require power, which would add to the growing power requirements for soldiers in the battlefield to as they carry electronic devices to fight effectively and this means another space in their gear that is occupied by a battery. However, one Canadian company is hard at work in developing an exoskeleton that does not require any batteries for it to be powered at all.

Soldier Systems posted on their blog about the Ultra-light Passive Ruggedized Integrated Soldier Exoskeleton (UPRISE) that is being developed by Montreal-based Mawashi Science and Technology. The mere name itself of the company is a dead giveaway that UPRISE has a Japanese inspiration. Mawashi is the loin cloth that is worn by the Sumo wrestler. As for the full description of UPRISE, here is what the company says at their website:

The UPRISE™ Tactical Exoskeleton is a complex structure made of high strength titanium that is perfectly adapted to the human body. Through its innovative and ultralight design, this exoskeleton achieve an unparalleled level of freedom of movement. In fact, with less than 1% of resistance to movement, the UPRISE™ tactical exoskeleton allows for all the movements involved during tactical maneuvers as well as other tasks required by dismounted soldiers and SOF operators. Its ruggedized and unique frame transfers from 50% to 80% of the load carried by warfighter's shoulders down to the ground.

The UPRISE™ tactical exoskeleton consists of:

• Flexible spine based on human body
•  Sliding belt for waist rotational degree of freedom 
• Fully articulated and ergonomic legs 
• Atlas system for helmet support

UPRISE has a titanium support frame and is battery free, and for soldiers wearing this, it will be relief that they do not have to worry about losing power on their way to a mission objective. According to National Defense, the researchers have studied obese men and women of around 300 to 700 pounds around the world. They focused on the sumo wrestlers and how they are able to carry their weight. What research points is the way weight is distributed.

The UPRISE is thus designed to mimic the human body in how it naturally carries loads. It uses mechanical levers do not require a power source and help balance the weight. It can be adjusted to fit the wearer by turning the Boa dials located at several points at the leg area.

For now the Mawashi UPRISE exoskeleton is developed to support the load bearing structures of the back and legs but plan to develop attachments for the arm in the future. The arm attachment is important as it will help lessen fatigue to the arms when carrying loads such as heavier weapons.