A Robotic Exoskeleton Prototype from the 1960s

General Electric engineer Ralph Mosher created Hardiman, the first serious attempt at creating a robotic exoskeleton that could transform a human into a super-powerful cyborg. Hardiman allowed the average person to be able to lift over 1500 lbs without a struggle.

Unfortunately the exoskeleton weighed in at three-quarters of a ton, not to mention working the legs meant uncomfortably herky-jerking your lower torso like a seizure victim, not very practical for everyday use. Despite Hariman’s overall failure, you have to admit the vintage sci-fi design is pretty awesome.

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