DetectionCutting edge, animatronic mannequin to test CB protective suits, equipment
The U.K. Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) has taken delivery of a new robotic mannequin which will be used to test chemical and biological (CB) protective suits and equipment for the U.K.’s Armed Forces. The “Porton Man” uses state of the art technology and is able to walk, march, run, sit, kneel and even lift its arms as if to sight a weapon just like an infantry soldier.
DSTL's 'Porton Man" mannequin in action // Source: DstlMOD
TheDefenseScienceandTechnologyLaboratory(DSTL)hastaken delivery of a new robotic mannequin which will be used totest chemical and biological (CB) protective suits and equipment for the U.K.’s Armed Forces.
The“Porton Man”uses state of the art technology and is able to walk, march, run, sit,kneel and even lift its arms as if to sight a weapon just like an infantry soldier. It means new equipment such as chemical and biological suits can be thoroughly tested in a realistic but secure environment. More than a hundred sensor sall over the body are able to record data during tests and scientists are even able to carry out real-time analysis.
DSTL says it has used mannequins in the past,but this animatronic version is a unique capability that puts the United Kingdom at thefore front of testing.Designed by Osier Way, Buckingham-based i-bodi Technology Ltd.,the robot is built accurately to represent the military user.
DSTLin Porton Down,Wiltshire is the only place inthe world that that can use chemical warfare agents to assess the effectiveness of complete clothing systems. Previous test results helped influence the final design of the chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) suits used by U.K. Armed Forces and the updated technology in the new mannequin will help design the next generation of protection.
Jaime Cummins of DSTL’sChemical and Biological Physica lProtection group said: “Significant advances inanimatronics, material design and sensing technologies have all been incorporated into this new Porton Man mannequin. As a result, we will be able to assess and characterize protective clothing in ways which were not previously possible. We areimmensely proud to have this mannequin as part of our capability to protect against the threat posed by chemical and biological agents.”
Jez Gibson-Harris,CEO,i-bodiTechnology,said: “Our brief was to produce a light-weight robotic mannequin that had a wide range of movement, fitted the anthropometric data and was easy to handle. Of course there were a number of challenges associated with this and one way we looked to tackle these challenges was through the use of Formula One technology. Using the same concepts as those used in racing cars,we were able to produce very light but highly durable carbon composite body parts for the mannequin.”
Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne,said: “This technology, designed by a British company is enabling the U.K.to lead the way in this important testing. Increased investment in science and technology by the MoDis not only enabling battle winnin gand life saving equipment tobe developed but also helping innovative companies like i-bodiTechnology to develop cutting edge capability.”
