The Ascending Aggies Lets People Climb Walls
Josh Triantafilou — June 30, 2012 — Unique
References: coe.utah.edu & popularmechanics
Students at the College of Engineering, Utah State University have designed and built a suit, the ‘Ascending Aggies,’ which allows its wearer to scale walls like Spiderman. Of course, this sounds like a lot of fun, but the motivation behind this project was a little bit more serious.
Each year the Air Force Research Laboratory hosts a design challenge open to universities around the U.S. This year the Ascending Aggies was the winner. The suit uses vacuum-powered suction cups to fasten its user to vertical surfaces.
U.S. Special Forces are often required to find their way to difficult-to-reach places -- like on top of buildings -- while hauling hundreds of pounds of gear. As such, the U.S. military is constantly on the lookout for technologies that can assist with efforts such as these.
Each year the Air Force Research Laboratory hosts a design challenge open to universities around the U.S. This year the Ascending Aggies was the winner. The suit uses vacuum-powered suction cups to fasten its user to vertical surfaces.
U.S. Special Forces are often required to find their way to difficult-to-reach places -- like on top of buildings -- while hauling hundreds of pounds of gear. As such, the U.S. military is constantly on the lookout for technologies that can assist with efforts such as these.
Trend Themes
1. Vacuum-powered Spiderman Suits - The trend of using vacuum-powered suction cups in wearable technology enables users to scale vertical surfaces like Spiderman.
2. Ascending Aggies - The trend of university design challenges promoting innovative solutions for the military showcases the potential for collaboration between academia and the defense industry.
3. Vertical Mobility Technology - The trend of developing wearable technologies for vertical mobility provides opportunities for enhancing the capabilities of Special Forces and other professionals in reaching difficult-to-access locations.
Industry Implications
1. Wearable Technology - The wearable technology industry can explore the application of vacuum-powered suction cups in various products and services, such as climbing gear and safety equipment.
2. Defense and Military - The defense and military industry can leverage innovations like the 'Ascending Aggies' suit to enhance the effectiveness and safety of Special Forces operations in challenging environments.
3. Academic Research and Development - The academic research and development sector can focus on projects that address real-world challenges, such as creating innovative solutions for the military, as showcased by the 'Ascending Aggies' suit.
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