This week, the plenary meeting of the ACHILE Project took place in Brescia, Italy, where all consortium partners convened to discuss progress and present key developments. On this occasion, GOGOA Mobility Robots, a leader in exoskeleton design and manufacturing, proudly presented the first prototype of the ACHILE combat exoskeleton, marking a significant milestone within this European project aimed at revolutionising next-generation dismounted soldier systems.
The ACHILE Project: A Joint European Effort
The ACHILE (Augmented Capability for High-End Soldiers) project, part of the European Defence Fund (EDF) with an investment of €40 million, seeks to develop innovative solutions for European soldiers. This endeavour involves a multinational consortium of large defence companies, innovative SMEs, research institutes, and universities, all working together to create a modular soldier system that will meet the future needs of European armed forces.
The consortium is led by Safran Electronics & Defence from France, with key contributions from other notable partners such as Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH (Germany), Indra Sistemas SA (Spain), and Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy). Together, these stakeholders are working to develop innovative capabilities that will enhance soldiers' protection, mobility, lethality, situational awareness, and sustainability on the battlefield.
The ACHILE Exoskeleton Prototype: A Step Forward for Future Soldiers
GOGOA Mobility Robots, through its Cyber Human Systems brand, specialised in exoskeletons for industrial and military applications, has developed the first prototype of the ACHILE combat exoskeleton. This exoskeleton is part of the Proof of Concepts (PoCs) that GOGOA is leading within the project, focusing on augmenting soldiers' physical capabilities. During the Brescia plenary, GOGOA presented four PoCs addressing key development areas:
Mobility and Endurance: This exoskeleton is designed to enable soldiers to move more efficiently across difficult terrains, reducing physical exertion and enhancing endurance during prolonged missions.
Optimisation of Military Logistics: These devices facilitate the handling and transportation of heavy loads, crucial in combat logistics environments where efficiency and load capacity are essential for operational success.
Weapon Stabilisation Enhancement: GOGOA’s stabilisation systems provide greater control over weaponry, increasing precision and effectiveness in combat situations, particularly under stress and movement.
Measurement and Optimisation of Soldier Comfort: GOGOA is also working on tools to assess and improve soldier comfort during prolonged use of the exoskeleton, aiming to reduce fatigue and enhance operational efficiency over the long term.
Modular Design and Ergonomics: Key Features of the ACHILE Exoskeleton
One of the standout features of the ACHILE exoskeleton is its modular design and focus on adaptive ergonomics. These devices are designed to integrate seamlessly with other soldier systems, such as weapons, communication tools, and body armour. Moreover, they are optimally tailored to the user's body, ensuring prolonged comfort and a significant reduction in muscle fatigue, allowing soldiers to concentrate fully on their mission without physical distractions.
The modularity of the system is also critical, as it allows various components to be replaced or upgraded according to mission requirements or user preferences. This not only enhances interoperability among different European armies but also ensures that soldiers are always equipped with cutting-edge technology tailored to their specific circumstances.
A Promising Future for European Defence
The ACHILE Project is not only redefining the individual capabilities of European soldiers but also contributing to the integration of the European defence industry and the strengthening of its technological autonomy. ACHILE's focus on creating an open and standardised architecture ensures that the solutions developed can be easily adopted by different countries, harmonising operational capabilities across the European Union.
In the coming months, GOGOA and the rest of the consortium will continue working on the development of functional prototypes, which will be tested in real environments towards the end of the project. These tests will evaluate the viability and effectiveness of the prototypes in authentic combat conditions. It is expected that these trials will provide valuable results, guiding the later stages of the project and contributing to its refinement.
GOGOA's Role in the Future of Military Exoskeletons
For GOGOA, participation in the ACHILE Project represents an opportunity to expand its expertise from the healthcare sector into the military domain. While the GOGOA Mobility Robots brand is focused on developing healthcare solutions within the MedTech sector, the company’s involvement in the ACHILE project is carried out under the Cyber Human Systems brand, which specialises in exoskeletons for industrial and defence applications.
This clear division between its two brands allows GOGOA to continue being a leader in the healthcare industry, while simultaneously innovating and contributing to the future of European defence systems through disruptive technologies such as military exoskeletons.
Conclusion
The ACHILE Project is a tangible example of how European collaboration can drive the development of cutting-edge technologies. As part of this consortium, GOGOA is at the forefront of innovation, contributing solutions that will improve the mobility, endurance, and effectiveness of soldiers on the battlefield. As we move into the next phase of the project, there is no doubt that the systems being developed will have a significant impact on the operational capabilities of European military forces, redefining the role of soldiers in an increasingly complex and demanding combat environment.
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PROYECTO ACHILE GOGOA EXOESQUELETO MILITAR EUROPEO
PROYECTO ACHILE GOGOA EXOESQUELETO MILITAR EUROPEO
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