The Future Force Warrior, a demonstration project in advanced technology from the United States military, is a great example of this. The project aims to create a lightweight, fully integrated infantry combat system. The system incorporates a headgear as well as a body armour with sensors and communications. The system can help soldiers survive on difficult terrain.
Soldier Digitization subsystem
Future force warrior program will make use of revolutionary technologies such as nanotechnology, powered excoskeletons, magnetic-resistance fluid based body armor, and powered exoskeletons. This concept was not intended to address all scenarios but to open up discussion about the potential for these technologies.
Integrated headgear system
Army Future Force Warrior Program has developed a new integrated headgear for ground soldiers. It is intended to increase protection against bullets as well as reduce weight. This system will also allow soldiers to communicate without the need for an external microphone.
Power subsystem
The Future Force Warrior power subsystem can significantly reduce the weight of the combat soldier. A typical OFW subsystem can produce twelve W of power and weighs in at approximately two pounds. The OFW system is comparable in power requirements to an MBITR radio using LW-SI.
Displays
The Army is working with Future Force Warrior to develop new technology and displays for the ground soldier. These technologies benefit from advances in light-weight ballistic materials, electronic displays, and electronics. In the development of the technology, data on human factors from government labs is also used. These developments were discussed at a panel discussion by the Association of United States Army on July 24, 2004.
Sensors
Future Force Warriors will be equipped unattended tactical sensor to provide situational intelligence and networked fire. This requires a network infrastructure to collect and distribute sensor data. In particular, the network must provide users with real-time situational awareness information.
Ballistic materials, light weight
The armor of the future force warrior must be strong enough to withstand heavy rounds, but lightweight enough to fit in a small body. The Army Research Lab has started developing new armor materials that can withstand 64% more impacts than traditional steel armor. These materials are eight times lighter than existing armor. Researchers from the Army Research Laboratory, Buffalo and the University of Buffalo began laboratory experiments to create this armor.