Tests for the development of new suit system for US soldiers performed using K4b2
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) website dispatched a press release on a new performance-enhancing suite for soldiers.
DARPA's Warrior Web program seeks to create a soft, lightweight under-suit that would help reduce injuries and fatigue common for soldiers, who often carry 100-pound loads for extended periods over rough terrain.
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory Human Research and Engineering Directorate (ARL HRED) is nearing completion of a five-month series of tests to evaluate multiple Warrior Web prototype devices. The testing evaluates how each prototype incorporates different technologies and approaches to reduce forces on the body, decrease fatigue, stabilize joints and help soldiers maintain a natural gait under a heavy load.
The testing uses a multi-camera motion-capture system to determine any changes in gait or balance, a cardio-pulmonary exercise testing device (COSMED K4b2) to measure oxygen consumption and a variety of sensors to collect force, acceleration and muscle activity data.
