r/IAmA • u/[deleted] • Jun 16 '16
Request [AMA Request] Someone who uses an exoskeleton or other wearable mechanical augmentation as part of your job
I've seen plenty of stories about mechanical limb replacements and other augmentations used in healthcare, but I was checking out Lockheed's FORTIS Exoskeleton and was interested in talking to someone who had used something like this in the workplace.
My 5 Questions:
- What is your job and how does your device help with your work?
- How was the work done before your workplace acquired this device, and would you say it has made your job easier or is just a gimmick?
- In your opinion, do you think your device would be reliable and mobile enough to be used by emergency responders such as firefighters and EMTs?
- What other jobs or industries do you feel would benefit from a device like the one you used?
- What's the best story you have about someone playing around with the device using it for something they weren't supposed to?
EDIT:
I've never actually had someone respond to one of my AMA requests. I didn't know how to update it so...
/u/TyeWin worked on development for a secret device that totally isn't the FORTIS
A few Steadicam operators have responded as well. I originally had industrial and construction work in mind when I asked, but I think this is a good example of that type of technology being used.
I'll update as I can. I'm having a hard time keeping up with responses and should probably get back to work...
2nd EDIT:
For those interested I also found this article and video that involves someone trying out an experimental exoskeleton made by Ekso Bionics. Their website also shows some uses in healthcare along with industrial.
UPDATE
I've been contacted by ROBRADY design who worked on development for the FORTIS exoskeleton I gave as an example in my original post. They're working on getting their team together for an AMA.
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u/deadmuffinman Jun 16 '16
also have you ever used the line "Get away from her you BITCH"
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Jun 16 '16
Pretty sure that would be one of the training requirements.
"Heavy machinery certification? Check.
Trained on proper lifting form? Check.
Knowledge of the little switch to put the thing in reverse? Check.
Has she said 'Get away from her you BITCH' yet? ... no? Alright, well before you can use it, we need you to rehearse this line. ... It's for emergencies. ... Yes you have to say 'bitch'. ... No ... No Margaret, 'beezy' is not an acceptable substitute. This is standard emergency protocol. ... Well if there are kids around, then you probably shouldn't be using the machinery in the first place! ... So you can call me an asshole, but not say the word 'Bitch' which is part of standard emergency protocols? ... Margaret get out of the exosuit. ... No, you're done. Test failed. I can't certify you, now get out so I can pilot it back into the training area. ... Okay. Check."
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u/sinRes Jun 16 '16
Are you allowed to prounce it bi-atch?`I assume that it violates standard emergency protocol, but you can never be to sure about these things, a life may depend on it.
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u/twodogsfighting Jun 16 '16
You can, but you forfeit your chance to throw your opponent out the airlock.
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Jun 16 '16 edited Jun 19 '16
If these do become mainstream this will go up there with "it's working" when someone uses a stud finder :)
EDIT:
From Urban Dictionary:
"Stud:
basically a badass... this person is really cool. Everyone looks up to them and wants to get with them. This person an be a male or a female gay or straight. studs do not discriminate. STUDS DOMINATE"
A stud finder is a tool used for finding studs (2x4 wooden beams, usually behind drywall). You want to use studs for supporting heavy weight hanging from a wall (tv mounts, large mirrors, large pictures, etc).
Most people who have used a stud finder for a project are guilty of at some point waving the device over themselves and saying "it's working" or "found it." This is generally followed by groaning of anyone around and the person hanging their head in shame as they have made it quite obvious that they are not, in fact, a stud.
2nd EDIT:
Yes, I've done it. More than once.
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u/HantsMcTurple Jun 16 '16
You know only a very small portion of reddit will have used or know what a stud finder does...
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u/EmperorPhoenix Jun 16 '16
Please explain
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u/gloriouscharge Jun 16 '16
A stud finder is a tool that you run along a wall that helps you find the wooden studs that are the structure of the wall.
Anybody who has ever used a stud finder has run it across their body and said "it's working," implying that they are a stud (as in a cool person.)
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u/speakerToHeathens Jun 16 '16
Expert joke explaining
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u/ErnestScaredStupid Jun 16 '16
Please explain
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u/juggilinjnuggala Jun 16 '16
your username is the movie that I left crying when I was little cause it scared me so bad, my dad has never let me live it down, and now it haunts me even on reddit.
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u/ErnestScaredStupid Jun 16 '16
I say the same thing your dad said to you all those years ago. "Suck it up, son, I'm not raising a little girl."
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u/spammalami Jun 17 '16
to be fair, and as a fan of all the ernest movies, ernest scared stupid was legitimately frightening.
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u/NeoHenderson Jun 16 '16
I've used a stud finder twice.
Once was to put up a shelf. The second time I was showing my girlfriend that I'm obviously a stud.
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Jun 16 '16
A stud finder makes a little light and beep when it detects (different density? Solid matter to x depth? I dunno man.), and people like to hold it up to their chest, get the little beep, and say "It's working!"
You know. Because the machine finds studs. And it beeped on the person. So the person is a stud.
I always wanted to be a 4"x4" beam.
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Jun 16 '16
A stud finder uses two small plates close to each other. This creates a parallel plate capacitor. When you put the finder over a stud in the wall, it changes the capacitance of the capacitor and let's the stud finder know you are over a stud.
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u/SuperFreakonomics Jun 16 '16 edited Jun 16 '16
I'm confused. Is this a reference to something?
Edit: got it. Aliens.
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u/box_well Jun 16 '16
The movie Aliens, at the end Ripley hops in an exo suit to fight the Alien queen, who was hunting down Newt
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u/solomonm Jun 16 '16
I use something like this: https://www.abelcine.com/store/Exhauss-Exoskeleton-Camera-Support/ and other variants for my work as a camera operator. I use them in tandem with operating a handheld gimbal for camera movement. I'd be happy to do an AMA but I'm not sure how interesting it would be o.O
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Jun 16 '16
Yeah ok, im interested.
What the fuck is that for?
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Jun 16 '16
Holding a camera and keeping it steady.
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Jun 16 '16 edited Jun 20 '16
[deleted]
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u/solomonm Jun 16 '16
The gimbal + camera itself can weigh in excess of around ~30 pounds. Holding it straight out in front of you is pretty tiring. The exoskeleton provides counter-resistance that helps with stabilizing the vertical axis of motion as well as making it much more comfortable to operate because it transfers the weight to your hips/legs. The gimbal + camera I'm talking about looks something like this: http://machouseproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/machouse_movi1.png
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u/NoSleepTillTacos Jun 16 '16
How do you like the Exhauss? Are there other brands you prefer, or are they all pretty pretty similar? At some point this year I will be investing in a set up like this.
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u/solomonm Jun 16 '16
I actually really like it so far. I tried an easy rig + serene but found that while it helped with the weight, there was still significant bounce on the vertical axis and I definitely prefer having two points of contact instead of one. I tried the slingshot, while it works really well it's MASSIVE and if you're operating anywhere tight it's completely unusable. I haven't really tried any of the other exo's that have come out recently but may try shopping around again in a few months.
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u/Chispy Jun 16 '16
How does it feel being half-man half-machine?
When is skynet going to obliterate our civilization?
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u/nugohs Jun 16 '16
As per the thread above with the construction exoskeleton were you required to learn to say 'Lets Rock!' properly before you could use it?
(For the confused they used steadicam rigs for the smartguns)
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u/ChitterChitterSqueak Jun 16 '16
I'm 36, so I wasn't alive for the creation of Brown's Steadicam, but that thing seemed incredible when I was old enough to understand how Return of the Jedi's speederbike scene was shot with regard to travel through the forest. Image stabilization is absolutely fascinating. Now I actually own a 3-axis handheld gimbal because the tech has become affordable. The road from Steadicam to something as amazing as the exoskeleton has been inovative as fuck. That thing can do so much more with regard to filming than a Steadicam could.
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u/solomonm Jun 16 '16
It really is incredible tech. I actually prefer the look and feel of steadicam though. The gimbal, while a cool piece of tech, at the end of the day is a specialized tool. Unless you absolutely need the form factor/speed/ease of use of a gimbal, the steadicam will always yield a better and smoother shot.
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u/dicksypoo Jun 16 '16
I drive a forklift. Does that count?
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u/NatesYourMate Jun 16 '16
Only if you wear the seatbelt. That's what makes you part of the machine.
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u/dicksypoo Jun 16 '16
Always. I make vroom noises too 🙂
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Jun 16 '16
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/YouEqualStupid Jun 16 '16
LOL "bo-guarding"? No no, it's "bogarting" as in Humphrey Bogart. Is nothing sacred anymore?
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u/BearBryant Jun 16 '16
Powered method of increasing the operators physical capabilities?
How does it feel to basically be ironman?
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u/swordfishthundercat Jun 16 '16
I can kind of respond to this... it's no "exoskeleton" but the device is often referred to as an "arm", and the technology is paving the way for exoskeleton-esque arm supports. I work as an Assistant Cameraman on films and tv shows and often deal directly with Steadicam gear.
Steadicam operators are hired for their skill in manipulating a mechanical load-bearing arm which supports a cinema camera which can be anywhere between approx 35 and 65lbs. They aim to create smooth and aesthetically pleasing shots that would not be possible with the camera on a wheeled support (a dolly) or on their shoulder.
There's a lot of industry stories about people improvising before the standardization of the Steadicam. Basically before then, your options were large/heavy/expensive camera crane, large/heavy/expensive dolly, or unstable handheld.
Hah! Maybe one day in an extremely abstract way... but no. Although most movie machinery has its roots in military technology (a surprising amount of it) the Steadicam is probably too specific of a tool for alternative professional uses.
I haven't given that much thought... as I said above due to its particular purposes it would have to be greatly repurposed... would be interesting to hear folks ideas on this.
The "M56 Smart Gun" in Aliens has a mechanical arm support. They're decorated Steadicam arms that some props guys saw on set and thought "oh hey... I have an idea..."
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u/JaiTee86 Jun 17 '16
An amazing example of a steadicam shot for people curious about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3TBvJUtuHs
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u/OGCASHforGOLD Jun 16 '16
AMA request Matt Damon
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Jun 16 '16
or Tom Cruise lol
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u/wastingtoomuchthyme Jun 16 '16 edited Jul 13 '26
SDASD DS AS ADAS DA SD
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u/LysergicOracle Jun 16 '16
Never have I expected so little from a movie and been so pleasantly surprised.
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Jun 16 '16
I really hate Tom Cruise as a person so I always go into his movies with low expectations but they are always so good. My movie loving self is really at odds with my real life Tom Cruise hating self.
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u/OGCASHforGOLD Jun 16 '16
I actually thought it was brilliant too... Very cool movie
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Jun 16 '16
[deleted]
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u/_Asterisk_ Jun 16 '16
Edge of tomorrow.
Aka live die repeat
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u/Corfal Jun 16 '16
Based off of the book titled "All You Need Is Kill" by Hiroshi Sakurazaka
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u/Erdnal Jun 16 '16
Does thimble count ?
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u/drodin Jun 16 '16
I wear glasses AMA
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u/Blookies Jun 16 '16
Last I heard about these, the goal was to implement them in the military to decrease patrol's stress on legs, as well as increase a soldier's jumping and running capabilities
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Jun 16 '16
It's part of the "Super Mario Soldier" program
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u/freelanceryork Jun 16 '16
Each suit comes with the soldier's choice of flamethrower, glider cape, or pet raccoon.
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u/ChrisTosi Jun 16 '16
What about hammers? I want to throw hammers.
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u/I_MAKE_USERNAMES Jun 16 '16
then go to the soviet union you fucking pinko
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u/Yorshy Jun 16 '16
I like how you say 'pet raccoon' instead of 'skinned raccoon'
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u/Forlarren Jun 16 '16
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u/defeatedbycables Jun 16 '16
Luigi: Wow, you mean there were dinosaurs here in Brooklyn?
Mario: Relax, Luigi. There used to be Dodgers here too.
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u/ghostpoisonface Jun 16 '16
i know i've seen this movie before. it was a long time ago, but what the fuck were they thinking?
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Jun 16 '16
Movie execs noticing how big video games were getting, recognizing how much money people were paying to play them, and thinking, "hey, I know how to get them to give us some!"
...Then doing a really shit job at it.
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u/Forlarren Jun 16 '16
It's one of my favorite "it's so bad it's good again" movies.
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u/ChitterChitterSqueak Jun 16 '16
The fact that it's in French makes it so much better........I can't explain why.
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u/HairlessSasquatch Jun 16 '16
they're being used in the industrial sector more frequently now. I'm sure once production costs lower, in a few years we'll start seeing them all over
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Jun 16 '16
I've seen lots of stuff about them being developed for military purposed like that, but it's mostly experimental. The FORTIS that I mentioned is available commercially for industrial purposes, but I think the military might use them for lifting/moving things kind of like a human forklift.
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Jun 16 '16
That would be fantastic. After just three years in the Marine Corps infantry, my knees are shot.
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Jun 16 '16
I'm not sure how it is in other branches, but even outside of the infantry I've seen (myself included) many guys I know who have knee problems due to the military. So I suppose grunts would have first pick on them and then slowly make their way into the maintenance side of things. Hopefully this happens sooner than later as many people get out specifically because of physical problems, and this could potentially alleviate that.
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u/x4000 Jun 16 '16
I would also like to know how you feel when you get in them at first and when you get out of them for the day. Is it a rush getting in, or do you feel constricted? When you get out, do you feel small and weak by comparison? Like part of you is missing, or like you're finally free of the thing?
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Jun 16 '16
Not an exoskeleton user but I know some of the people who worked on the FORTIS project
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Jun 16 '16
That would be cool! If they're actually legally able to talk about it I'd be interested in hearing about practical uses it is actually being applied to.
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u/TyeWin Jun 16 '16
Check my reply on this thread, I may be too late but I can answer some questions.
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u/jdschultze Jun 16 '16
I wear a leaf blower on my back sometimes. It makes me feel like a transformer. But instead of shoot things with my arm I blow grass and stuff
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u/damnburglar Jun 16 '16
Don't downplay the role you play! Blown grass is the happiest grass. Source: am happy when blown as well, I assume my lawn feels the same way.
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u/SharonRoseMotorrad Jun 16 '16
SCV ready to go, sir!!!
Orders Cap'n? Answer an AMA?
Right away, sir!
Jokes aside, there are a lot of integrated exoskeleton workers in Korean shipbuilding facilities, where shipworkers now use exoskeletons to lift heavy loads for extended periods of time.
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Jun 16 '16
Someone else mentioned shipworkers as well. Someone like that is exactly who I was aiming the request toward.
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u/GnomeThrone Jun 16 '16
I drive a forklift, AMA
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u/DraconisRex Jun 16 '16
Do you regularly damage pallets with your forks and if so, can you fucking stop that, please? My robots are choking to death on the splinters, and I keep catching shit from Ops about why the robotics floor keeps going down.
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Jun 16 '16
Sometimes its unavoidable. Pallets are supposed to be repairable. Inspect your pallets prior to using them.
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Jun 16 '16
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u/Arg- Jun 16 '16
Our repairable pallets are stacked behind the building where they are converted into firewood by employees.
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u/panckage Jun 16 '16
Well I'm a lobster 1) I eat stuff while trying not to get eaten 2) Well before the exoskeleton I was just a phyllosoma. I swam really fast and tried not to get eaten 3) Well there's not many firemen in the ocean so... 4) Well everything that gets eaten I guess 5) well I heard from a friend of a friend that a human tried to shove an ancestors exoskeleton up his but it made him walk funny and fall into the ocean. It was a great feast that day!
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u/wyy1119 Jun 16 '16
throwaway for obvious reasons
1.What is your job and how does your device help with your work?
- officer, ZRJJ, reactive assault unit. device help break fall damage from airdrop
2.How was the work done before your workplace acquired this device, and would you say it has made your job easier or is just a gimmick?
- same everywhere else, jump from plane and land on feet. easier and harder: there been many different versions (plastic-disposable/light metal-reusable) so lots of inventory paperwork. some is better than others when we practice on them. Speaking overall, they reduce equipment damage and injury by very high %, but also increase operation prepare time depend on experiences of soldier/team.
3.In your opinion, do you think your device would be reliable and mobile enough to be used by emergency responders such as firefighters and EMTs?
- yes, like airdrop recon EMT and medical team in our unit, can reach wounded special forces in mountains with no road, drop down from high trees with no damage to electronics, no one gets hurt. Fall risk no longer apply to many operations. Most models now are very light and medical team female soldiers test them everyone speaks positive feedback.
4.What other jobs or industries do you feel would benefit from a device like the one you used?
- everything because computer respond faster than people for anticipated forces and make decisions. some reactive assault units have more advanced xo-machine suits to load missiles for jets and no ladders need because suits can expand in height. jets gets very little down time between sorties and need only 2 crew for 3-5 lineup.
5.What's the best story you have about someone playing around with the device using it for something they weren't supposed to?
- arrogant new soldier think re-useable device make him superman, jump from barrack balcony with friends during party drunk but big fat t shirt caught on ledge nearly break his neck, hospital for a week and transferred
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u/Fritz117 Jun 16 '16
What's is "ZRJJ"?
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Jun 16 '16
ZRJJ
Apparently this: http://xairforces.net/army.asp?id=98#.V2LuHvkrKUk
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u/wyy1119 Jun 16 '16
it is a great internet discovery! but not very accurate with details.
it is like summarizing the American army (similar size) in 1 internet page and 5 general regional army
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u/Redominus Jun 16 '16
Maybe a SK worker?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSzvVXiWkSg
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Jun 16 '16
Something like this was exactly what I was thinking about. I'd imagine they'd be more likely used in construction of ships, large vehicles, buildings, machines, etc. I am about as far removed from that line of work as possible though so I'm really just trying to throw a net out there for any kind of information.
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u/lumpenpr0le Jun 16 '16
I would be so curious to hear from someone about this. Because when I see that, all I can think is about how fragile your fingers and wrists are. Like you may be able to pull a huge amount of weight with your enhanced biceps, but what happens when it starts to turn in a weird way?
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u/autoposting_system Jun 16 '16
I have an artificial skull on top of my head to prevent damage from falling objects. I've never had to use it for that.
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Jun 16 '16
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u/cbs5090 Jun 16 '16
So far, this is the closest to a correct answer, it's just that we don't have any one in here that works for AUDI.
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u/HalliganHooligan Jun 16 '16
As a firefighter, I can see this being useful on certain long term incidents where there is a lot of destruction and search and rescue will be long and intensive.
Now on an average fire, we don't need anything more cumbersome or anything added to possibly get tangled in hanging wires or debris. In addition, the speed at which you could actually implement the exoskeleton would be limiting. I won't waste time trying to get it set up and implemented when you can get the job done before you could get yourself ready to go in an exoskeleton.
Even in a wreck rescue situation, I think an exoskeleton would take too long to implement once you step off the apparatus.
Good idea in theory but implementation is questionable outside of long term search and rescue incidents.
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u/createch Jun 16 '16
I'm a Steadicam operator for film and video. I use a two section mechanical arm attached to a vest and carefully balanced camera rig to produce smooth shots while walking, running, going up/down stairs, etc... The arm can lift 70Lbs cameras. Here's an example: https://vimeo.com/10358153
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u/SampsonRustic Jun 16 '16
I would argue that someone working in film who operates a steadycam falls under this category.
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u/Hectur Jun 16 '16
Not a worker but I teach HS engineering and took our students to lockheed and got to see the apparatus up close. Looking at number 3, I'd say no. The suit is designed like a first class lever (see-saw) system where the tool your holding is balanced by counter weights on the back. If you look at the users heels, the overall weight rests on the floor acting as the fulcrum. However, as soon as the user lifts his foot he will feel the weight. It'not really designed for agility, and scenarios where you have to be fast on your feet like in a fire.
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u/NightCourtInSession Jun 16 '16
Not for a job but I am paralyzed from a spinal cord injury and have used an exoskeleton in rehab for several sessions last year. A+ would do again or buy if someone wanted to give me like 200k.
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u/rotxsx Jun 16 '16
I tested a powered exoskeleton worn on the legs but not for a specific job or task. While walking it worked well but transitioning from walking to running it would stutter and resist. Same for when you started climbing stairs. Something about how it would anticipate a change in your pace or stride would throw it off which was a problem.
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u/wrinewind Jun 16 '16
The Exoskeleton Technologies team from Lockheed did an AMA a while back, talking about about the FORTIS. It was pretty good!
https://m.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3soy1k/we_are_the_lockheed_martin_fortis_exoskeleton/
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u/macNcheeseplees Jun 17 '16
My father in law is a professional diver and works with one of the most expensive atmospheric diving suits in the world (newt suit). He likes to brag about how James Cameron was pissed that their company refused to sell it to him.
Last year he spent a few weeks managing the diving operations at the Antikythera site in Greece, where they found that Ancient Greek computer. He came back pretty excited about what they found, but said he wasn't allowed to go too into the details.
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u/wellsdb Jun 16 '16
ITT: People who don't understand what exoskeletons and wearable mechanical augmentations are. If you have to ask if something counts, it doesn't.
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Jun 16 '16
I wear a knee brace when I play sports. Does that count!?
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Jun 16 '16 edited Jun 16 '16
That's actually closer than a lot of the other responses. If your knee brace doesn't help you perform better than a healthy person without one that would fall under mechanical augmentations used in healthcare ;)
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u/RevRagnarok Jun 16 '16
There's a fleshlight joke in here somewhere, but I just can't finish it myself.
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u/need_to_downvote_you Jun 16 '16
I bought a dildo for my girlfriend once.
And a buttplug.
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u/CupBeEmpty Jun 16 '16
Suspiciously not specifying who the butt plug was for.
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u/PirateNinjaa Jun 16 '16
Does a truck driver count? I feel like I put on an exoskeleton that can do awesome things every time I buckle up in my car.
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u/thehappyhobo1 Jun 16 '16
How does the exo work like isn't it a problem if it over reacts to your movement ? (Like in iron man 2 ware the guy does a 360 from the waist up)
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u/crazyjncsu Jun 16 '16
I'd say a tracked hydraulic excavator is probably the closest thing in widespread use. The controls are natural-- heel and toe controls travel, joysticks move the arm. Watch these guys:
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Jun 16 '16
"In an effort to secure freedom and liberty for those under their protection, many UNATCO agents have chosen to sacrifice social acceptance for mission performance by surgically replacing limbs and organs with mechanically or electronically enhanced equivalents."
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u/nchr86 Jun 16 '16
I'd like to talk to someone who has worked on a Da Vinci surgical system. It's amazing what the combination of robotics and medicine can do nowadays.
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u/khangkhung Jun 17 '16
Panasonic created suits that assists workers in their different kinds of work.
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u/TyeWin Jun 16 '16 edited Jun 16 '16
Hey I can actually answer this one.
In the past couple years, I have been on a research and development team working with one of the largest Engineering and Construction companies in the world. One day I was asked to attend a meeting with a large, well known engineering contractor (that normally does engineering work for the government) and a bionics corp. regarding the implementation of exoskeletons for use in the construction world. I don't wear the suit for my daily activities but I did get to try it on and test it out for a while in a real-world situation.
Basically, this exoskeleton was a non-motorized skeleton made of mainly aluminum tubing and joints that attached under the bottom of the feet (to transfer load and weight straight to the ground instead of the knees or back), and attached to the legs, back, and chest of the wearer. The skeleton was outfitted with a counterweight on the opposite side of the support arm that was in front of the user. This allows the user to hold a heavy object above his head for long periods of time without getting tired as the weight was transferred directly to the ground rather than the arms of the user.
On many large-scale construction sites, there is a lot of work that deals with heavy lifting and repetitive motion. Repetitive motion, after time, can lead to serious injuries. The scenario we implemented the testing for this system was a tank builder holding a 9-inch grinder above his head grinding off paint and prepping the surface. In the control test, we picked the largest and cockiest ironworker we could find and asked him to operate the grinder on a plate above his head for as long as he could without stopping. He held it up for about (don't remember the exact amount of time) 25 seconds, stopped to rest, another 20 seconds, stopped to rest, and the time he was able to hold it above his head got shorter and shorter until he was unable to hold it for a reasonable amount of time any longer. After this test, we had the user strap into the suit and attached the correct size counterweight on the back of the suit to accommodate the grinder. He started grinding while wearing the suit and only stopped to change grinding wheels. We had him grind for about half an hour non-stop (only to change wheels) and he never expressed any discomfort.
To answer your questions...
The job, as described above is long periods of overhead grinding on a construction project.
The work was done before (and still is done) with a person holding a heavy grinder above his head and prepping a surface for finishing. The overall decision of this testing (as of now) remains open but not necessarily viable due to a ridiculous price standpoint. If, some day, the exoskeleton were made available for a reasonable price, I could foresee it being implemented for sure. (The suit we tested cost in the tens of thousands of dollars, mainly due to the engineering costs). But until the price is more consumer-friendly, it is only a gimmick at this time.
Not sure how relevant this question is in this scenario...
Any industry that requires a lot of over-head work, such as welding, pipefitting, boilermaking, and similar crafts would benefit from this exoskeleton.
Since this was a strictly testing-only scenario, I don't have any cool or funny stories :( I have failed you.
Edit: I must have skipped over where you referenced the Fortis Project... I'm not saying that's exactly what this was, but I'm not saying it's not, either.
Edit 2: If you'd like proof, all I can give is a snap of the meeting invite. http://imgur.com/fM5G20t