Other Definitions
exoskeleton (dict)
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ExoskeletonAn exoskeleton, in contrast to an endoskeleton, is an external anatomical 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 Calcium compounds Silica 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) furnishes an example 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 to support the function or correct the shape of that limb. "Orthotic(s)" is the term for the field dealing with orthoses, their use and manufacturing. 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. "Prosthetic(s)" is the term for the field dealing with prostheses, their use and manufacturing. Exoskeletons in modern and near-future technology In the early 2000s a number of companies and research centres have 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, nursery 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. In the future exoskeletons are expected to become widely used by the military and police in the form of nanotechnological 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 loaders used to enable dockyard workers to move heavy weights in Aliens (1986) and the Armored Personnel Units seen in Matrix Revolutions (2003). The novel Starship Troopers details the tactics involved with powered armor. 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 some are derived from biological evolution, 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. External links
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