ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Powered exoskeleton

Do you know what a superhero is? Someone who can do amazing things like fly, lift really heavy things, and move super fast? Well, what if I told you there are suits that can make people do all those things and more? These suits are called powered exoskeletons.

So, what's an exo-skeleton? It's like a special suit that a person can wear, which gives them superpowers. Just like when we wear our clothes, we feel stronger and protected, but this time, it's an even stronger super-suit. It can help people walk, run, lift heavy objects and even jump higher than they normally can.

Now imagine that the suit is powered by robotics – like a robot that gives you super-strength - so people can use it to do things they would not normally be able to do. The motors and computer programs in the suit can read our body movements and help us move faster and better. It's like having a partner helping us every step of the way!

These suits have straps that go around the person's legs, arms, chest, and back, and connect them to the motors and computers in the suit. They are usually made of strong, lightweight materials so that the people wearing them can move and jump easily while still being protected.

The suits can be helpful for military personnel, firefighters, construction workers, and people with disabilities. For example, a firefighter can wear the suit to easily climb up and down ladders and carry heavy tools. A person with spinal cord injury could use a powered exoskeleton to walk again. It's like having a robot aide that can support us and give us superpowers!

So, now you know that a powered exoskeleton is like a superhero suit that gives people super-strength and superpowers – without any radioactive spider bites required.