Sagem (Safran) signed an agreement recently with Percro, the Perceptual Robotics Laboratory of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies of Pisa, Italy, to jointly develop exoskeleton technologies. An exoskeleton is an independent electromechanical structure worn by a person, capable of multiplying physical capabilities to enhance load carrying capacity, mobility and precision. While the exoskeleton is not a new concept, it can now take advantage of exciting new technology breakthroughs in digital processing, miniature sensors and control devices.

Sagem will be responsible for the physiological and biomechanical evaluation of these new exoskeleton systems, while Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies of Pisa will focus on research into control, applied mechanics and mechatronics. The partnership will lead to the development and construction of prototypes for testing by about 2017. Sagem will bring to this partnership its expertise in autonomous energy management, along with platform control and stabilisation technologies. The project will call on both European funding through the Horizon 2020 (1) research and innovation programme, and investments by Safran.