Powered exoskeleton
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A powered exoskeleton is a mobile machine consisting primarily of a skeleton-like framework worn by a person and a power supply that supplies at least part of the activation energy for limb movement.
Description[edit]
Powered exoskeletons are designed to physically assist and, in many cases, protect the wearer. They may be designed to assist and protect soldiers and construction workers, or to allow people to survive in other dangerous environments. A wide medical market exists for powered exoskeletons to provide mobility assistance for aged and infirm people. Other possibilities include rescue work, such as in collapsed buildings, in which the device might allow a rescue worker to lift heavy debris, while simultaneously protecting him from falling rubble.
The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor designed by Dr. Catherine Halsey is the most sophisticated UNSC powered armor project so far. As one of its main strengths, the MJOLNIR system eschews traditional mechanized joints in favor of a strength-enhancing layer of electroactive liquid crystal and provides a cybernetic link which boosts the wearer's reactions by a factor of five.[1] While it is the most successful UNSC powered armor project, MJOLNIR is by no means the only effort to physically augment soldiers in combat. The HRUNTING Mark III [B] Cyclops and the HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I were exoskeleton systems derived from earlier prototypes developed by exoskeleton programs which predated MJOLNIR.[2] Large-scale powered exoskeletons became more common in the years following the Human-Covenant War, with at least one model, the Mantis, seeing battlefield use.
The Semi-Powered Infiltration armor predominantly used by the Spartan-III supersoldiers provides modest physical enhancement[3] as well as a rudimentary active camouflage by means of photoreactive panels, allowing covert operations in enemy territory.[4] RKD, an Earth think-tank, created Project HAYABUSA concurrently with MJOLNIR and while the two were developed separately, they share many characteristics, and are interchangeable to a degree.[5]
In 2558, Michael Crespo wore an older early-war suit of ODST armor, which apparently had an exoskeleton installed in it. It was noted to be significantly less capable than MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor.[6]
The Forerunners' personal armor offered powered support to some extent. For combat use, they also developed armor suits known as combat skins, using a class system based on numbers, on which the MJOLNIR Mark V[7] and Mark VI[8] would be rated Class 2.
Known powered exoskeletons[edit]
There are form fitting exoskeleton suits that act as armor, and there are larger exoskeletons that act as vehicles.
Armored suits[edit]
Forerunner[edit]
- Personal armor - Body-assist armor worn by virtually all Forerunners in everyday life
- Combat skin - Armor worn by Forerunners in battle
Human[edit]
United Nations Space Command[edit]
- Hayabusa Powered Assault Armor - A UNSC powered armor system similar to the MJOLNIR armor
- MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor - The performance-enhancing body armor first used by the SPARTAN-IIs and later by all Spartans
- Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III - Prototype iterations of MJOLNIR, created before the first production model.
- Mark IV - First iteration of MJOLNIR to enter mass production and see combat service.
- Mark V - Introduced energy shields and artificial intelligence housing.
- Mark VI - Introduced automated biofoam injectors.
- Mark VII - Last of GEN1. Only known use is by Naomi-010. Used as a testbed for GEN3 upgrades.
- GEN2 - A broad array of suits developed after the Human-Covenant War.
- GEN3 - The successor to GEN2, incorporating various improvements and survival upgrades.
- Nightfall armor - A suit of powered armor used by ONI operatives on missions in hazardous environments.
- ORION armor - The ORION Exoframe Load Carrier, often simplified to simply the "ORION armor," was a powered exoskeleton design developed by Project: MELAENO, as a sister project intended for use in the ORION program.[9][10]
- ORCUS exoskeleton - A semi-powered exoskeleton that was tested by Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, before eventually being utilized by Spartan personnel operating with older MJOLNIR ensembles.[11] Though the armor's development would fall into a state of limbo, the project was formally revived in 2559.[12]
- OSTEO combat engineering suit - A suit of powered armor used by both civilian and military (augmented and non-augmented) combat engineers in HAZMAT operations[13]
- Semi-Powered Infiltration armor - The armor used by most SPARTAN-IIIs
- Hellbringer suit - A powered exoskeleton utilised by the UNSC Hellbringers.[14]
Venezia[edit]
- Goblinstrike - The Goblinstrike effort by Venezia is a powered exoskeleton project to manufacture armor for human mercenaries such as jannisaries.[15]
- Infractor - Infractor suits are built for use by infiltration units, assassins, and reconnaissance forces based on the power armor used by Brute Stalkers.[16] The armor features passive sensors on the armor's shoulder plates and the helmet also houses the most advanced netwar gear that Venezian engineers can use.[17][18]
- Sovereign - Manufactured by New Tyne Armory, the Sovereign armor features holoprojectors, micro-gravity shock dampeners on the armor's knee pads, and it integrates a Proselytization network on its chestplate.
- Taskmaster - The Taskmaster armor is provided by Venezian power brokers for use with Banished Janissary mercenary commanders.[19] The helmet is compatible with the Blue Cornet attachment which uses repurposed Covenant parts and pirated UNSC firmware, with the unique Venezian design "glue" that creates a compact and secure comm uplink, back-doors aside.[20]
Banished[edit]
The Banished created several variants of armor typically for Janissary mercenaries that is compatible with MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor.
- Agitator - The Agitator helmets are compatible with any Mjolnir chassis, even those disabled by UNSC security locks.[21] The helmet is also compatible with the Shock-Treated Visor attachment.[22]
- Assailer - Used by human janissaries allied with the Banished taking on front-line roles.[23]
- Conqueror - The Conqueror helmet was manufactured by the Banished for use with Venezian janissaries using fusion of Covenant and UNSC technologies.[24] It is compatible with the Red Cornet attachment, a Banished equivalent of a UNSC Command Network Module used by Venezian janissaries and liasons.[25]
- Cutthroat - Created as a collaboration between humans and Kig-Yar.[26] It is compatible with the Evil Eye attachment, which shares resemblance to the Kig-Yar targeting headgear.[27]
- Renegade - The Renegade armor was developed by Venezian engineers and manufactured by the Banished. The Packleader Cornet attachment functions as a mark of rank and a hardened uplink module.[28]
Ancient human[edit]
- Ancient human battle armor suit - This powered armor was used by Ancient humans during Human-Forerunner wars. This armor works very similar to Combat Skin.[29]
San'Shyuum[edit]
- Fighting skin - Highly advanced powered armor worn by Prelate in battle.
Sangheili[edit]
- Sangheili harness - The powered armor worn by Sangheili. It boosts the speed and strength of its user, though it remains less effective than the human-made MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor.[30]
Jiralhanae[edit]
- Atriox's armor - Atriox dons an augmented power gauntlet which artificially enhances his strength to a significant degree.[citation needed]
Vehicles/Mechs[edit]
Forerunner[edit]
Human[edit]
- Cargo walker
- HRUNTING and YGGDRASIL
- HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton - Also known as the Cyclops; a large exoskeleton mainly designed for non-combat tasks, such as construction and dock work
- HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Armor Defense System - An advanced development of a pre-MJOLNIR exoskeleton system
- HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D] Armor Defense System - Also known as the Geyrion, a very large armored fighting vehicle akin to the later Mark IX "Mantis"
- HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) Armor Defense System - Also known as the Green Machine, a powered exoskeleton designed from information that survived the destruction of Weapons Research Facility T12A.
- HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [J] Armor Defense System - Also known as the Colossus, a successor to an older exoskeleton in the same line, the HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D]
- HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System - A powered exoskeleton/armored fighting vehicle used by the UNSC Marine Corps after the Human-Covenant War
- Mark I prototype exoskeleton - A powered exoskeleton prototype, which was worn by trainers during combat training with Spartan-II trainees.
- Mark III exoskeleton - A powered exoskeleton which would later be adopted by Project: HRUNTING, producing the Cyclops.
- Munitions loader
- Skyfire Exosuit
- Unidentified powered exoskeleton - A powered exoskeleton prototype, predating MJOLNIR.
Unggoy[edit]
- Pnap-pattern Goblin - A bipedal battlesuit of Unggoy design
Jiralhanae[edit]
- Decimus' exoskeleton - The exosuit operated by Decimus, mainly used against the UNSC during the Second Ark Conflict.[31]
- Breacher Exosuit - A type of powered exoskeleton employed by the Banished.[32]
Gallery[edit]
The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI.
A HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton.
A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Armor Defense System.
![A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D] armor system under construction.](https://halo.wiki.gallery/images/thumb/8/8d/Cyclops_mark_II.jpg/200px-Cyclops_mark_II.jpg)
A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D] armor system under construction.
A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System.
A Goblin, a powered exoskeleton built by Unggoy.
An exoskeleton piloted by Decimus.
Designs of an ancient human battle armor suit.
An ancient human battle armor suit being used in combat.
Tem'Bhetek wearing the Fighting skin.
Three varieties of Sangheili harness.
A Sangheili Zealot wearing the combat harness in Halo 2: Anniversary.
An early model of Thel in Arbiter armor in Halo 2: Anniversary.
Half-body shot of Thel 'Vadam in Arbiter armor in Halo 2: Anniversary, as shown in Halo Mythos.
Concept art for the Nightfall armor.
Concept art for the Nightfall armor with full equipment load.
![A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D] armor system under construction.](/File:Cyclops_mark_II.jpg)
Sources[edit]
- ^ Dr. Halsey's personal journal
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 44
- ^ Halo Mythos, pages 76-77
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 16
- ^ Halo 3
- ^ Halo: Bad Blood, Chapter 17
- ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Library
- ^ Halo 3, campaign level Halo
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 76
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Anniversary Armory (Retrieved on Nov 3, 2021) [archive]
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: EXO-X/O-Module Echo FPM - Wrist description "ODST tested, Spartan approved."
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo: From the Soil to the Stars (Retrieved on Mar 11, 2025) [archive]
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder 142: System Shocks (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2023) [archive]
- ^ YouTube - jungle_penguins, Halo Wars 2: UNSC Hellbringer All Quotes: 0:39 "I feel like a tank in this thing! Does your exo chafe? Mine chafes." - Hellbringer ambient dialogue
- ^ a b Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Boggart - Armor Kit Description "The Goblinstrike effort by Venezia makes use of Created technology stolen from Balaho to restart a Covenant factory satellite and manufacture Grunt-ish armor for augmented human mercenaries. Phew. Get all that? The BOGGART is the first result that didn't result in unnecessary fatalities from design defects. For Banished and independent Grunts it is also a friendly face in an unfriendly galaxy. Friendly for a Grunt, at least."
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Snowbound Operation Launch: "Covert infiltrators, deft assassins, and expert reconnaissance units, the Infractor armor is based on the Jiralhanae Stalkers encountered in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST." (Retrieved on Jan 11, 2025) [archive]
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armory: Infractor shoulder description "Armor plating with embedded passive sensor elements."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armory: Infractor helmet description "INFRACTOR helmets house the most advanced netwar gear available to Venezian engineers."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Taskmaster - Helmet Description "Venezian power brokers are keen to leverage the Banished for expansion of their burgeoning mercantile empire. They provide the TASKMASTER suits for use by Banished mercenary commanders, while subtly probing their allies battle network for useful information."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Blue Cornet - Helmet Attachment Description "Repurposed Covenant parts and pirated UNSC firmware, with the unique Venezian design "glue" that creates an extremely compact and secure (if you don't count their back-doors) comm uplink."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Agitator - Helmet Description "AGITATOR helmets can be paired with any Mjolnir chassis, even those disabled by UNSC security locks."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Shock-Treated Vior - Helmet Attachment Description "As any Venezian knows: more often than not, violence is the answer."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Assailer - Helmet Description "Human janissaries allied with the Banished rarely take on front-line roles, but it is the quickest way to gain access to further augmentation."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Conqueror - Helmet Description "The CONQUEROR is a Venezian fusion of Covenant and UNSC technologies made possible by massive infusions of Banished resources and stolen information. Their operators are home-grown mercenary super-soldiers eager for plunder and power."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Red Cornet - Helmet Attachment Description "Banished equivalent of a UNSC Command Network Module used by Venezian janissaries and liasons."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Cutthroat - Helmet Description "Human avarice and Kig-Yar cunning complement each other to a frightening degree. Tools such as CUTTHROAT helmets are proof that when the two species collaborate, plunder is but a raid away."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Evil Eye - Helmet Attachment Description "Jackal snipers have a fearsome reputation for good reason."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Renegade - Pauldron Description "Venezian engineers have freedom to experiment, but face severe consequences for failure.."
- ^ Halo: Cryptum, page 112
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 131: "The Elite Combat Harness is the standard armor used by the Sangheili in all Covenant conflicts. Similar to the Spartans' mark VI in that it boosts speed and strength while adding a personal energy shield, the armor is actually less advanced and can withstand less damage than a Spartan's armor."
- ^ Halo Wars 2, Halo Wars 2
- ^ Mega Brands, SKYFIRE EXOSUIT (Retrieved on Jul 25, 2025) [archive]
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