For the 21st century soldiers who are on the battlefield, being networked for C4I capabilities is very critical. The soldier is now moving with advanced helmets, radios, nigh vision goggles, body armour, which adds to the weight which fatigues him.
Globally, countries like the US and Russia are looking at Exoskeleton Technology for their soldiers as this help soldiers wear over their uniform which is battery operated.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Defence Bio-Engineering and Electro-medical Laboratory (DEBEL) has been for some time collating data for Simulation and Analysis of Musco-skeletal parts, like lower limb simulation (while the soldier is standing), etc. The private sector companies too are doing R&D for the Exo-suit design for the Indian soldier, which will be customised according to the different environmental challenges.
According to experts, India is already incurring expenditure on upgrading wearable gear on each soldier to meet the ever-changing combat environment challenges, but there is a limitation up to which equipment can be fitted onto a soldier’s body.
