ExoM II at work

MEHLER PROTECTION showcased its wide portfolio of personal protection solutions at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Poland. There were modular body armor systems, plate carriers, ballistic helmets, protection solutions for law enforcement and riot control, ballistic shields, and load distribution systems. A central exhibit is M.U.S.T., the modular and scalable protection system from MEHLER PROTECTION. Thanks to its modular design, the protection configuration can be adapted to different mission requirements, offering users the flexibility to tailor their equipment to the specific task at hand. The presentation is complemented by a selection of plate carriers and body armor systems, as well as hard and soft ballistic solutions. Additionally, visitors can learn about various configurations of ballistic helmets and flexible and rigid ballistic shields that provide extra protection in high-risk situations.

A special highlight is ExoM II, the latest generation of passive exoskeleton technology from Mehler Protection. ExoM II was developed to distribute the weight of heavy protective gear away from the shoulders, reducing the physical strain of carrying ballistic protective equipment and additional gear over extended periods. The system is presented alongside the ballistic protection solution Omega Jaw. We took a closer look at it. 

There are two different types of exoskeletons: those that are designed to support the body while carrying and those that are controlled by a human like a machine. ExoM II falls into the former category and is therefore very "slick." At first glance, ExoM II did not catch our attention as we passed by, then there was an "Aha." The impressive view from behind shows the carrying strap and its mechanical parts. A sort of "spine" extends upward. 

This comes out at the shoulders and helps alleviate stress on the human spine. This means more and heavier equipment can be carried. 

Under the plate carrier, the black vest of the ExoM II exoskeleton can be seen, which is worn to integrate the person into the exoskeleton. 

Back to the pelvis, this is the view from the front. We see heavy protective gear and the exoskeleton that is carrying it. The hip area is shaped with a "combat belt" made of Kydex so that equipment can be attached. 

In the knee area, you can see the structures of ExoM II, how they unite joints and load-bearing elements. 

And of course, that's exactly the point: with ExoM II, an operator can carry extremely heavy protective gear that ensures safety when they need to be the first to go through the door. At a running event, they won't break any records, but that's not the goal. ExoM II is one of those things we would love to try out live. Exoskeletons are often associated with military applications, but so far, they have not found a place in real equipment, although ExoM II with its specialized use seems very practical for us. 

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