Popular Science Recognizes Lockheed Martin’s ONYX Exoskeleton and Miniature Hit-to-Kill Interceptor in 2018 “Best of What’s New” Awards

Editor Defence Industry
The Lockheed Martin ONYX Exoskeleton, shown here, along with the company’s Miniature Hit-to-Kill missile interceptor, were recognized by Popular Science in its 2018 “Best of What’s New” awards.

ORLANDO, Florida. Lockheed Martin’s ONYX exoskeleton and Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) interceptor have been named to Popular Science’s “Best of What’s New” Awards 2018 in the Security category.

“These awards highlight the innovative technologies Lockheed Martin brings to our customers,” said Glenn Kuller, vice president of Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We are developing next-generation exoskeletons to improve human performance and reduce injuries. We’re also addressing a top priority for commanders in the field with a miniature interceptor designed to knock out enemy rockets, artillery and mortars.”
Lockheed Martin ONYX Exoskeleton

 

Lockheed Martin ONYX Exoskeleton
Each year, Popular Science reviews thousands of new products in search of the top 100 tech innovations of the year. The brand selects 100 winners as well as 10 Grand Award winners – one from each of the categories. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step forward in its category.

 

“The Best of What’s New Awards allow us the chance to examine and honor the best innovations of the year,” says Popular Science Editor-in-Chief Joe Brown. “This collection shapes our future, helps us be more efficient, keeps us healthy and safe, and lets us have some fun along the way. From simple household items to massive space-exploration tools, we’re proud to bring you the Best of What’s New 2018.”

 

Developed by Lockheed Martin and powered by B-temia, ONYX is a lower body exoskeleton that counteracts overstress on the back and legs. Ideal for military and first responders, ONYX features electro-mechanical knee actuators, a suite of sensors, and an AI computer that understands user movements and delivers the right torque at the right time to assist with walking up steep inclines, lifting or dragging heavy loads. The ONYX was the Grand Award winner in the Security category.

The MHTK missile is designed to defeat rocket, artillery and mortar targets through body-to-body contact without a warhead at ranges that greatly exceed those of current and interim systems. The missile is just under two and a half feet (76 cm) in length, an inch and a half (4 cm) in diameter and weighs about five pounds (2.2 kg) at launch.