| 
The Future Soldier Imagine the psychological impact upon a foe when encountering squads of seemingly invincible warriors protected by armor and endowed with superhuman capabilities, such as the ability to leap over 20-foot walls. To some this may sound like science fiction, but for others it is realistic endeavor that is currently being researched by MIT. The United States Army chose MIT to create lightweight molecular materials to equip foot soldiers of the future with uniforms and gear that can heal them, shield them and protect them against chemical and biological warfare.
MIT won the Army competition for the five-year, $50 million proposal for an Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN). Industry is said to contribute an additional $40 million in funds and equipment. The ISM will be staffed by up to 150 people, including 35 MIT professors. In addition to MIT faculty, 80 graduate students, and 20 postdoctoral associates will be included on the project. These researchers will develop ideas such as a uniform that is nearly invisible, soft clothing that can become a rigid cast when a soldier breaks his or her leg, and paper-weight chainmail made of molecular materials.
Dean of Engineering Thomas L. Magnanti was quoted at a news conference saying, “Our goal is to help greatly enhance the protection and survival of the infantry soldier using nanoscience and nanotechnology. The idea is to incorporate these nanomaterials into the future soldier’s uniform, and associated equipage like helmets and gloves.” Although some of the proposed ideas will still take some time to develop, there have been great advancements in this field to date.
All images provided by: http://Imageshack.us
|
