The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

Exoskeletons are fitted with special devices and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the capability of a soldier, including faster movements, extra load-bearing capability; ease of walking in high altitude and rarified air, thereby reducing injuries. Exoskeletons enhance additional load carrying capacity of soldiers to up to 100 kg for 8-hours with a 3-5 hours battery backup. Dual-use exoskeletons, like the Robotic Exoskeleton, can help soldiers with severe disabilities to live a close to normal life.

Jaipur-based 'Newndra Innovations' has provided two types of exoskeletons namely 'JaipurBelt' and 'ArmMax' to the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

In 2015, British firm 'Intelligent Textiles' secured a multimillion-pound deal with the US and UK to bring exo-suit technology to soldiers. The news also was that Russian combat gear 'Sotnik' will replace existing 'Ratnik' armour worn by Russian soldiers; to integrate ability to control small size attack drone swarms, robots, in addition to enhancing situational awareness, improve combat performance and efficiency, and reduce risk to life on the battlefield. In recent years, Chinese border troops have been using non-powered exoskeleton suits for carrying ammunition, as well as for supporting operations like supply delivery, logistics and patrolling.

It was reported in these columns on June 11, 2024, that Jaipur-based 'Newndra Innovations' has provided two types of exoskeletons namely 'JaipurBelt' and 'ArmMax'to the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). These are “passive” exoskeletons designed to increase the productivity and endurance of soldiers while also reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

The JaipurBelt provides support to a soldier's back and spine while the 'ArmMax' supports the soldier's back, spine, and arms. These exoskeletons can augment a soldier's capacity to carry weight by about 5 to 35 kg, depending on the requirement. Both these exoskeletons do not require any battery power but use a hinge mechanism consisting of hydraulics and springs to conserve the gravitational potential energy. Both these exoskeletons weigh around 1.8 kg and have a shelf life of 3-5 years.

By incorporating passive elements like springs and dampers, the exoskeleton is able to transfer up to 75 per cent of the carried load directly to the ground, significantly reducing the effective weight borne by the soldier and thereby minimising physical exhaustion

For some time, there have been reports that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been developing exoskeleton technology for various applications, particularly for augmenting the capabilities of soldiers; focusing on both passive (unpowered) and active (powered) exoskeleton designs to enhance soldier efficiency and reduce fatigue. Now according to news reports of May 26, 2025, TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and the DRDO have jointly developed a “passive” exoskeleton designed specifically for the Indian Armed Forces; the innovative wearable system is engineered to address one of the most persistent challenges faced by soldiers: the physical strain of carrying heavy combat loads across rugged and demanding terrains.

The above exoskeleton is to be worn over standard uniforms or combat gear, ensuring compatibility with existing military equipment and maximising ease of use in the field. It provides crucial mechanical support to key joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back—areas most susceptible to fatigue and injury during prolonged operations. By incorporating passive elements like springs and dampers, the exoskeleton is able to transfer up to 75 per cent of the carried load directly to the ground, significantly reducing the effective weight borne by the soldier and thereby minimising physical exhaustion.

A TASL-DRDO passive exoskeleton is currently undergoing trials with the Indian Army to assess its effectiveness and operational benefits

The enhanced load-bearing capability not only improves operational efficiency but also extends the endurance of soldiers, enabling them to remain active for longer durations without frequent rest breaks. The exoskeleton's design allows soldiers to perform strenuous tasks such as long marches, climbing, and crawling with greater efficiency and less fatigue, as demonstrated in various simulated combat scenarios.

According to the news report, the TASL-DRDO passive exoskeleton is currently undergoing trials with the Indian Army to assess its effectiveness and operational benefits, with feedback from these tests expected to inform further refinements and the potential integration of active, powered components in future iterations. The development of this passive exoskeleton marks a milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance and innovation in defence technology. It reflects a broader trend among global militaries to adopt wearable augmentation devices that improve soldier safety, productivity, and operational effectiveness, especially in environments where traditional logistical support is limited or in high-altitude, inhospitable terrains.

A timeline must be set to simultaneously develop the whole range of passive and powered exoskeletons

While we may pat our back with the above development, does the DRDO, living in cushy environments and lax work culture, realise the increasing threat to India's national security and the difficulties that our soldiers are facing while operating in various terrains, including in high altitude and snow-bound terrains? It is absurd that these innovations are taking the one step at a time approach – a luxury that must be dispensed with forthwith. A timeline must be set to simultaneously develop the whole range of passive and powered exoskeletons. Taking into account the fast-paced changes in the battlefield, we should also examine developing exoskeletons having ability to control small size attack drone swarms, robots and enhancing situational awareness, in addition to improving combat performance, efficiency and reducing the risks and fatigue of soldiers.