
An exoskeleton, in contrast to an endoskeleton, is an external anatomy feature that supports and protects an animal's body. Many invertebrate animals such as insects, crustaceans and shellfish have exoskeletons. Lobsters, for example, have tough outer shell systems which provide rigidity and shape to their bodies. Humans have long used armour as an artificial exoskeleton for protection, especially in combat. Exoskeletal items are also used for medical and industrial purposes. Human exoskeletons are a feature of science fiction writing. ==Natural exoskeletons== ===Types of exoskeletons=== Chitin * Arthropods ** Insects ** Crustaceans Calcium compounds * Corals * Mollusks Silicon dioxide * Radiolaria ===Moulting=== An exoskeleton may interfere with an animal's growth. To overcome this, arthropods go through a process called moulting in which they shed their exoskeleton and replace it with a new, larger one. Excellent as a principle of defence, exoskeletons may nevertheless cause problems where entities carry an excessive weight to surface-area ratio; or whenever organism growth requires an enlarged exoskeleton. == Artificial human exoskeletons == === Exoskeletons in history === Medieval armour (in the case of mounted knights) is not load-bearing, but furnishes the appearance of an artificial human exoskeleton. Modern motorists use automobiles as temporary protective exoskeletons in harsh traffic environments. === Exoskeletons in medicine === An "orthosis" (plural orthoses) is a device which attaches to a limb, or the torso, to support the function or correct the shape of that limb or the spine. "Orthotics" is the term for the field dealing with orthoses, their use and manufacturing. An "Orthotist" is the name given to a person who designs and fits an orthosis. A limb "prosthesis" (plural prostheses) is a device that substitutes for a missing part of the limb. If the prosthesis is a hollow shell and self-carrying, it is exoskeletal. If internal tubes are used in the device and the cover (cosmesis) to create the outside shape is made of a soft, non-carrying material, it is endoskeletal. "Prosthetics" is the term for the field dealing with prostheses, their use and manufacturing. A "Prosthetist" is the name given to a person who designs and fits a prosthesis. === Exoskeletons in modern and near-future technology === In the early 2000s a number of companies and research centres developed the first practical models of human exoskeletons. One of the main uses is enabling a soldier to carry heavy weights (50–100 kg) while running or climbing stairs. Most models use a hydraulic system controlled by an on-board computer. They can be powered by an internal combustion engine, batteries or, potentially, fuel cells. Another area of application is medical care, nursing in particular. Faced with the impending shortage of medical professionals and the increasing number of people in elderly care, several teams of Japanese engineers have developed exoskeletons designed to help nurses lift and carry patients. Commercially-available exoskeletons are expected by the end of 2005 [http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18624945.800]. In the future exoskeletons are expected to become widely used by the military and police in the form of nanotechnology combat clothes. Civilian uses will no doubt be found later. However they will have to compete for adoption with another approach — surgically and genetically enhancing the human body itself by use of artificial bones and muscles. == Human exoskeletons in science fiction == Science fiction authors utilize the idea of personal self-powered exoskeletons, usually referred to as powered armor or, in Japanese ''anime'' and ''manga'', mecha. Examples include: *The armour worn by Grey_Fox_%28Metal_Gear_character%29 in Metal Gear Solid *The loaders used to enable dockyard workers to move heavy weights in ''Aliens (1986 movie)'' (1986 in film) *The Armored Personnel Units seen in ''Matrix Revolutions'' (2003 in film). *The novel Starship Troopers details the tactics involved with powered armor. *Standard issue battle armor in Joe Haldeman's book The Forever War is an exoskeleton using logarithmic force amplification. *Exoskeletal vehicles named "E-Frames" were one of the central aspects of the anime-inspired American action cartoon ''Exosquad.'' *In comic books, the superheroes Iron Man and War Machine, the supervillain Doctor Doom and countless others wear suits of powered armor which have the equivalent exoskeleton function. *Not all SF exoskeletons are mechanical, as modification of biological systems can produce similar strength, such as the Pak Protector in Larry Niven's Known Space universe, Jim Shooter's ''X-O Manowar'' comic book, and the ''Guyver'' anime series. *In Japanese manga Gantz, the characters wear wet suit like exoskeleton, which gives them enormous strength and provides protection. *Biological suits known as ''skins'' are mentioned in Peter Hamilton's Fallen Dragon. *In the Battletech universe, genetically engineered Clans %28BattleTech%29 soldiers are bred for strength and other qualities to wear Elemental powered armor. Elemental armor also provides advanced medical technologies to keep the wearer alive in case of severe injury or trauma during combat. *Unsurprisingly, exoskeletons have surfaced in many video games, usually because thicker types of armor must require some mechanical power source. Some examples would be certain marines from Unreal II: The Awakening and MAX Units from Planetside. *Many Japanese mecha anime also have humans controlling gigantic exo-skeletons, such as Escaflowne. Although many of these are not exactly exoskeletons because of their size, the main principle is identical. ==External links== * [http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/bleex.htm Video, images and articles about the Bleex exoskeleton project] * [http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/03/03_exo.shtml Berkeley Bleex press release] * [http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.01/ironmen.html?tw=wn_tophead_4 Wired article about the power-suit weighlifting championship] * [http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1252537.html Mecha in AK] * [http://www.springwalker.com/ SpringWalker Walking Aid] * [http://pages.zoom.co.uk/bionicboots/index.html Bionic Boots] * [http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn1072 Japanese nurse assisting skeleton] * [http://sanlab.kz.tsukuba.ac.jp/HAL/indexE.html HAL project] Anatomy Musculoskeletal system Robotics Arthropods
== Robot exoskeleton (June 2004) == There is also Robot exoskeleton article. I think that should be redirected here for the time being. Below is the text from that page. : :The powered robot exoskeleton, is a suit to aid the aged or physically disabled people to walk, climb stairs, or sit down. It consists of a computer, batteries, and four actuators at the knees and hip joints. :An example, it´s HAL-3 (Hybrid Assistive Leg), :See also : robotics, robot. Any comments? User:Paranoid 07:03, 19 Jun 2004 (UTC) == Robot exoskeleton (October 2004) == User:Toytoy has just demerged this article, pretty much into the same divide as was merged in June. As I've written on User talk:Toytoy, I'm not sure either article is big enough to warrant splitting yet and, imho, the term "robot exoskeleton" isn't entirely appropriate for all the content on that page, so I've reverted the changes. Can we discuss it here, as I kinda agree with the point Toytoy's trying to make, but I don't think the current divide is right, nor do I think that Robot exoskeleton is the right term for the 'other' page. Let's try to reach Wikipedia:consensus and then do the demerge? — User:OwenBlacker 15:57, Oct 26, 2004 (UTC) : I think the biological exoskeleton deserves a much better article. However, I am not that good to write on this complex issue. I think the mechanical part of this article will be better inserted into various robot- or armour-related articles. A good encyclopedia has to have excellent articles on basic scientific topics. I will propose a possible outline of the exoskeleton article later. -- User:Toytoy 16:15, Oct 26, 2004 (UTC)
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Words begining with Exoskeleton:
Exoskeleton
Exoskeleton
Exoskeleton
An exoskeleton, in contrast to an endoskeleton, is an external anatomy feature that supports and protects an animal's body. Many invertebrate animals such as insects, crustaceans and shellfish have exoskeletons. Lobsters, for example, have tough outer shell systems which provide rigidity and shape to their bodies. Humans have long used armour as an artificial exoskeleton for protection, especially in combat. Exoskeletal items are also used for medical and industrial purposes. Human exoskeletons are a feature of science fiction writing. ==Natural exoskeletons== ===Types of exoskeletons=== Chitin * Arthropods ** Insects ** Crustaceans Calcium compounds * Corals * Mollusks Silicon dioxide * Radiolaria ===Moulting=== An exoskeleton may interfere with an animal's growth. To overcome this, arthropods go through a process called moulting in which they shed their exoskeleton and replace it with a new, larger one. Excellent as a principle of defence, exoskeletons may nevertheless cause problems where entities carry an excessive weight to surface-area ratio; or whenever organism growth requires an enlarged exoskeleton. == Artificial human exoskeletons == === Exoskeletons in history === Medieval armour (in the case of mounted knights) is not load-bearing, but furnishes the appearance of an artificial human exoskeleton. Modern motorists use automobiles as temporary protective exoskeletons in harsh traffic environments. === Exoskeletons in medicine === An "orthosis" (plural orthoses) is a device which attaches to a limb, or the torso, to support the function or correct the shape of that limb or the spine. "Orthotics" is the term for the field dealing with orthoses, their use and manufacturing. An "Orthotist" is the name given to a person who designs and fits an orthosis. A limb "prosthesis" (plural prostheses) is a device that substitutes for a missing part of the limb. If the prosthesis is a hollow shell and self-carrying, it is exoskeletal. If internal tubes are used in the device and the cover (cosmesis) to create the outside shape is made of a soft, non-carrying material, it is endoskeletal. "Prosthetics" is the term for the field dealing with prostheses, their use and manufacturing. A "Prosthetist" is the name given to a person who designs and fits a prosthesis. === Exoskeletons in modern and near-future technology === In the early 2000s a number of companies and research centres developed the first practical models of human exoskeletons. One of the main uses is enabling a soldier to carry heavy weights (50–100 kg) while running or climbing stairs. Most models use a hydraulic system controlled by an on-board computer. They can be powered by an internal combustion engine, batteries or, potentially, fuel cells. Another area of application is medical care, nursing in particular. Faced with the impending shortage of medical professionals and the increasing number of people in elderly care, several teams of Japanese engineers have developed exoskeletons designed to help nurses lift and carry patients. Commercially-available exoskeletons are expected by the end of 2005 [http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18624945.800]. In the future exoskeletons are expected to become widely used by the military and police in the form of nanotechnology combat clothes. Civilian uses will no doubt be found later. However they will have to compete for adoption with another approach — surgically and genetically enhancing the human body itself by use of artificial bones and muscles. == Human exoskeletons in science fiction == Science fiction authors utilize the idea of personal self-powered exoskeletons, usually referred to as powered armor or, in Japanese ''anime'' and ''manga'', mecha. Examples include: *The armour worn by Grey_Fox_%28Metal_Gear_character%29 in Metal Gear Solid *The loaders used to enable dockyard workers to move heavy weights in ''Aliens (1986 movie)'' (1986 in film) *The Armored Personnel Units seen in ''Matrix Revolutions'' (2003 in film). *The novel Starship Troopers details the tactics involved with powered armor. *Standard issue battle armor in Joe Haldeman's book The Forever War is an exoskeleton using logarithmic force amplification. *Exoskeletal vehicles named "E-Frames" were one of the central aspects of the anime-inspired American action cartoon ''Exosquad.'' *In comic books, the superheroes Iron Man and War Machine, the supervillain Doctor Doom and countless others wear suits of powered armor which have the equivalent exoskeleton function. *Not all SF exoskeletons are mechanical, as modification of biological systems can produce similar strength, such as the Pak Protector in Larry Niven's Known Space universe, Jim Shooter's ''X-O Manowar'' comic book, and the ''Guyver'' anime series. *In Japanese manga Gantz, the characters wear wet suit like exoskeleton, which gives them enormous strength and provides protection. *Biological suits known as ''skins'' are mentioned in Peter Hamilton's Fallen Dragon. *In the Battletech universe, genetically engineered Clans %28BattleTech%29 soldiers are bred for strength and other qualities to wear Elemental powered armor. Elemental armor also provides advanced medical technologies to keep the wearer alive in case of severe injury or trauma during combat. *Unsurprisingly, exoskeletons have surfaced in many video games, usually because thicker types of armor must require some mechanical power source. Some examples would be certain marines from Unreal II: The Awakening and MAX Units from Planetside. *Many Japanese mecha anime also have humans controlling gigantic exo-skeletons, such as Escaflowne. Although many of these are not exactly exoskeletons because of their size, the main principle is identical. ==External links== * [http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/bleex.htm Video, images and articles about the Bleex exoskeleton project] * [http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/03/03_exo.shtml Berkeley Bleex press release] * [http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.01/ironmen.html?tw=wn_tophead_4 Wired article about the power-suit weighlifting championship] * [http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1252537.html Mecha in AK] * [http://www.springwalker.com/ SpringWalker Walking Aid] * [http://pages.zoom.co.uk/bionicboots/index.html Bionic Boots] * [http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn1072 Japanese nurse assisting skeleton] * [http://sanlab.kz.tsukuba.ac.jp/HAL/indexE.html HAL project] Anatomy Musculoskeletal system Robotics Arthropods
Exoskeleton
== Robot exoskeleton (June 2004) == There is also Robot exoskeleton article. I think that should be redirected here for the time being. Below is the text from that page. : :The powered robot exoskeleton, is a suit to aid the aged or physically disabled people to walk, climb stairs, or sit down. It consists of a computer, batteries, and four actuators at the knees and hip joints. :An example, it´s HAL-3 (Hybrid Assistive Leg), :See also : robotics, robot. Any comments? User:Paranoid 07:03, 19 Jun 2004 (UTC) == Robot exoskeleton (October 2004) == User:Toytoy has just demerged this article, pretty much into the same divide as was merged in June. As I've written on User talk:Toytoy, I'm not sure either article is big enough to warrant splitting yet and, imho, the term "robot exoskeleton" isn't entirely appropriate for all the content on that page, so I've reverted the changes. Can we discuss it here, as I kinda agree with the point Toytoy's trying to make, but I don't think the current divide is right, nor do I think that Robot exoskeleton is the right term for the 'other' page. Let's try to reach Wikipedia:consensus and then do the demerge? — User:OwenBlacker 15:57, Oct 26, 2004 (UTC) : I think the biological exoskeleton deserves a much better article. However, I am not that good to write on this complex issue. I think the mechanical part of this article will be better inserted into various robot- or armour-related articles. A good encyclopedia has to have excellent articles on basic scientific topics. I will propose a possible outline of the exoskeleton article later. -- User:Toytoy 16:15, Oct 26, 2004 (UTC)
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
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EA | EB | EC | ED | EF | EG | EH | EI | EJ | EK | EL | EM | EN | EO | EP | ER | ES | ET | EU | EW | EX | EY | EZ |Words begining with Exoskeleton:
Exoskeleton
Exoskeleton
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