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82 August 2019 http://www.designworldonline.com
DESIGN WORLD http://www.designworldonline.com August 2019 83

Late last year, Sarcos Robotics unveiled its Guardian XO Max, a “full-body,

powered industrial exoskeleton robotic system.” While it’s bigger than wearable

technologies designed for hospital or home use, the robot is the only one

designed for full-shift commercial use.

The Salt Lake City-based company’s latest industrial exoskeleton is able to run

for up to eight hours on a single charge. It also has “hot-swappable” batteries

and uses a “Get-Out-of-the-Way” control system that’s designed to follow its

operator’s lead rather than need lots of sensors.

With a strength amplification of 20 to 1, the Guardian XO Max can help

users lift 200 pounds. Sarcos’ exoskeleton is entering its alpha phase of testing.

Demand grows for industrial exoskeletons

Back injuries cost U.S. employers more than $100 billion per year, so avoiding

injury is just as important as enhancing strength, noted Sarcos.

“There are many misperceptions regarding the commercial readiness and

viability of full-body industrial exoskeletons that are capable of substantially

increasing human strength and endurance, including the amount of power

required to operate these machines,” stated Ben Wolff, chairman and CEO of

Salt Lake City-based Sarcos.

“Sarcos’ Guardian XO Max will be a game-changer for the industrial

workforce, improving strength and capabilities, reducing the risk of injury on

the job, and increasing the quality of life and longevity of workers,” predicted

IDC analyst John Santagate.

The company raised a $30 million Series B round of funding last September.

Military roots of exoskeleton design

Sarco’s development of exoskeletons can be divided into different phases.

“In 2000, it was through DARPA and U.S. Department of Defense [DOD]

programs,” said Chris Beaufait, chief operating officer of Sarcos. “It evolved from

helping a soldier to carry a pack to a full-body exosuit, in which we initially

used hydraulics in the prototype.”

The U.S. Special Operations Command has worked with Sarcos on the

Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), an exoskeleton designed to protect

forces from small arms fire while providing support for strenuous activities.

The U.S. military is also working with Lockheed Martin and other contractors to

develop wearable robotics.

Sarcos Robotics

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