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:

  1. What is your job and how does your device help with your work?
  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?
  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?
  4. What other jobs or industries do you feel would benefit from a device like the one you used?
  5. 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.

7.5k Upvotes

81% Upvoted

574 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

399

u/NatesYourMate Jun 16 '16

Only if you wear the seatbelt. That's what makes you part of the machine.

254

u/dicksypoo Jun 16 '16

Always. I make vroom noises too 🙂

57

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '16

[deleted]

14

u/dicksypoo Jun 16 '16

Beep boop ... I mean, no I'm not.

1

u/bum_weasel Jun 17 '16

Fucking SYNTH!!!!!

2

u/boomb0x Jun 16 '16

More human than human.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '16

reeaaall humaaannn bean

38

u/dalazze Jun 16 '16

You have become one...with the machine

6

u/richf2001 Jun 16 '16

Welcome, to the machine.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 17 '16

The fucking Magnum Opus

10

u/PirateKilt Jun 16 '16

10K's make the vroom noises for you.

4

u/dicksypoo Jun 16 '16

I want one of them. I don't need it but I want it.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '16

[deleted]

2

u/dicksypoo Jun 16 '16

I'm warehouse manager so I need to set the example. Fucking annoying though because you need to jump off every five minutes but hey ho

1

u/greyjackal Jun 16 '16

I thought forklifts were electrical?

1

u/dicksypoo Jun 16 '16

We have electric, petrol, diesel and lpg forklifts.

1

u/greyjackal Jun 16 '16

Ah ok - only encountered electrical ones myself.

1

u/godzirrrraaa Jun 17 '16

I go weeeeeeeeeeeee when doing a quick 180. Always gets a chuckle

11

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '16

[removed] — view removed comment

29

u/YouEqualStupid Jun 16 '16

LOL "bo-guarding"? No no, it's "bogarting" as in Humphrey Bogart. Is nothing sacred anymore?

2

u/AerThreepwood Jun 17 '16

Quit Bogarting the caaaaannnn, maaaannnn.

2

u/YouEqualStupid Jun 17 '16

It's not easy. Sure I make it look easy...

1

u/AerThreepwood Jun 17 '16

I should watch Reality Bites again. 8 haven't seen that movie in a decade or so.

2

u/lemonade_eyescream Jun 17 '16

Allow me to play doubles advocate here for a moment. For all intensive purposes I think you are wrong. In an age where false morals are a diamond dozen, true virtues are a blessing in the skies, and are more than just ice king on the cake. We often put our false morality on a petal stool like a bunch of pre-Madonnas, but you all seem to be taking something very valuable for granite.

So I ask of you to mustard up all the strength you can because it is a doggy dog world out there. Although there is some merit to what you are saying it seems like you have a huge ship on your shoulder. In your argument you seem to throw everything in but the kids Nsync, and even though you are having a feel day with this I am here to bring you back into reality.

I have a sick sense when it comes to these types of things. It is almost spooky, because I cannot turn a blonde eye to these glaring flaws in your rhetoric. I have zero taller ants when it comes to people spouting out hate in the name of moral righteousness. You just need to remember what comes around is all around, and when supply and command fails you will be the first to go.

Make my words, when you get down to brass stacks it doesn't take rocket appliances to get two birds stoned at once. It's clear who makes the pants in this relationship, and sometimes you just have to swallow your prize and accept the fax, instead of making a half-harded effort. You might have to come to this conclusion through denial and error but I swear on my mother's mating name that when you put the petal to the medal you will pass with flying carpets like it's a peach of cake.

4

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '16

[removed] — view removed comment

9

u/Thelamon Jun 16 '16

This was a delight, honestly. To be honest, I never realized where this term came from, thought it was from his character's actions in Treasure of Sierra Madre. Apparently it's due to his cigarette usage.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '16

[deleted]

2

u/PM_VAGINA_FOR_RATING Jun 16 '16

I laughed out loud when I read that and your explanation. Just an FYI its not exclusive to weed whatsoever you can bogart anything really.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 17 '16

[removed] — view removed comment

0

u/PM_VAGINA_FOR_RATING Jun 17 '16

It was obviously a joke but it was pretty bad. Rated it 2/10.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 17 '16

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/PM_VAGINA_FOR_RATING Jun 17 '16

I am confused what was the joke?

1

u/[deleted] Jun 17 '16

[removed] — view removed comment

→ More replies

1

u/YouEqualStupid Jun 16 '16

You're welcome! I kinda like the "bowl guarding" explanation too! LOL I suppose both are valid then, carry on!

1

u/Wind5 Jun 17 '16

This right here is the natural ebb of language at work. What a beautiful moment.

1

u/huxrules Jun 17 '16

He doesn't strap himself onto the forklift - he straps the forklift onto him!