Physical Task and Sensor Considerations for Close Combat Exoskeletons

This report summarizes multiple, parallel efforts performed by the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate to understand the required functionality for close combat exoskeletons and the tools to assess them. The purpose of this effort was 1) to identify opportunities for exoskeleton technologies within close combat operations based on an understanding of the associated physical demands and task constraints, and 2) to identify and assess wearable sensors necessary to quantify performance during these operations. To this end, we reviewed literature related to the physical employment standards and operational fitness requirements of combat arms tasks, observed performance of close combat activities during field experiments, and performed a decomposition of Infantry Battle Drills and Warrior Drills to their component tasks and required functional physical abilities. In addition, laboratory validations and operational feasibility assessments were performed on wearable sensors with potential to quantify these physical abilities.