Human Augmentation SIP

Annex B – Technology review.

and increase strength.^54 The mechanics of the exoskeleton must cooperate with the

biomechanics of the human body allowing and enforcing the motions of the joints in the

musculoskeletal system. Potential limitations include constraints on speed and range

of movement, obstructed access to confined spaces as well as dependency on energy

supplies and connectivity. A related technology is the robotic glove capable of providing

additional grip strength. The purpose of the glove is to reduce injuries caused by muscle

strain as well as reducing fatigue when performing repetitive tasks.^55

Exoskeletons could be playing a role on the battlefield by 2030. Some might be designed

to prevent injuries by, for example, taking the strain of heavy loads or by absorbing

shocks for those working on board ships or other vehicles. It is less clear that powered

systems will be widely used, although they could be used for situations that only require

movement over short distances but need heavy protection. For example, breaching or

explosive ordinance disposal tasks. For powered exoskeletons to conduct a wider range

of military tasks they will need a suitably light, durable and compact source of power to

give them sufficient range; presently this looks difficult to achieve.

Potential and issues.  By 2040 artificial intelligence might be capable of improving the

interaction between the user and exoskeleton so that they move ‘as one’. Looking even

further into the future, systems could be controlled at will using electrodes in the brain.

This would mean that using an exoskeleton would require training and practice with it

before it could be used, but its effectiveness would be greater. The risk of not exploring

the potential of exoskeletons is that the opponent will acquire the technology first:

increasing their lethality, mobility and protection.

Substances

Substances are likely to continue to be used to enhance physical performance. For

example, anabolic androgenic steroids have similar effects on muscle growth as naturally

occurring testosterone and are mainly used to stimulate muscle growth or to treat wasting

conditions.^56 Another well-known substance is creatine which can have a positive effect

on performance during exercise. Studies have shown that taking creatine appears to

increase power and reduce fatigue but also increases the risk of being overweight and

injury.^57 Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced mainly by the kidneys and has

been synthesised as medicine for anaemic diseases, but has also been used, illegally, to

enhance performance in sport.^58

54 Onose, G., et al., (2016), Frontiers in neuroscience, ‘Mechatronic wearable exoskeletons for bionic

bipedal standing and walking: a new synthetic approach’.

55 An example of a robotic glove can be found at https://www.bioservo.com/professional/ironhand.

56 Sullivan, M. L., et al., (1998), Progress in cardiovascular diseases, ‘The cardiac toxicity of anabolic

steroids’. Also Orr, R. and Singh, M. F., (2004), Drugs, ‘The anabolic androgenic steroid oxandrolone in the

treatment of wasting and catabolic disorders’.

57 Branch, J. D., (2003), International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, ‘Effect of

creatine supplementation on body composition and performance: a meta-analysis’. Rawson, E. S., et al.,

( 2 011), Nutrition, ‘Low-dose creatine supplementation enhances fatigue resistance in the absence of weight

g a i n’.

58 Atkinson, T. S. and Kahn, M. J., (2020), Blood Reviews, ‘Blood doping: Then and now. A narrative

review of the history, science and efficacy of blood doping in elite sport’.