The devices, known as human exoskeletons, create an external mechanical structure that enhances the wearer's physical capabilities. Designed to increase lower-body strength, they are being evaluated for their potential to help rescuers reach stranded people faster and with less fatigue.
The trials are taking place in the wilderness of the US Pacific Northwest, where rescue teams frequently face steep climbs and long treks carrying equipment. The exoskeletons attach to the body and provide powered assistance during walking and load-bearing activities.
The testing represents one of the first real-world applications of exoskeleton technology in emergency response settings, moving beyond industrial and medical uses that have dominated the field to date.