Last month, the Honors College Gemstone program’s Team EXO showcased their innovative exoskeleton design at the ASTM International Exo Games Competition in Philadelphia. Competing against teams from across the globe, including participants from England and Brussels, Team EXO secured an impressive second place overall and clinched first place in the design category.
Team EXO’s mission is to design and prototype a practical exoskeleton for use in firefighting situations. ASTM International defines an exoskeleton as “a wearable device that augments, enables, assists, or enhances motion, posture, or physical activity.” When used by emergency responders, exoskeletons provide additional support and strength, allowing firefighters to perform their duties more efficiently and safely. The device distributes weight more evenly and provides mechanical assistance, reducing the overall physical burden on the firefighter.
According to Team EXO’s website, “One of the leading causes of injury to firefighters in the United States is bodily strain and exertion from the weight of their equipment.” Their goal is to reduce the amount of wear and tear on firefighters’ bodies when responding to emergencies.
At the competition, the team’s exoskeleton was put to the test in a series of rigorous challenges that simulated real-life scenarios. Team EXO member Nick Salanitri ’25, a senior geology major, was chosen to perform an exhausting set of challenges while wearing the exoskeleton. Challenges included lifting heavy boxes, navigating stairs, crawling through tunnels, and even a mock bomb disposal exercise. The team’s innovative design, which features robust back support with springs, was particularly praised by judges for its effectiveness in assisting wearers to stand back up, a crucial feature for firefighting scenarios.
“Exoskeletons are hard to build and design because they have to fit the human body while enhancing mobility,” said Salanitri.
The competition provided an invaluable opportunity for the team to receive feedback from a diverse panel of experts, including representatives from ASTM, DEVCOM, and NIST, as well as military personnel and firefighters. This feedback is set to play a pivotal role in refining their design as the team prepares to defend their thesis in the spring.
The preparation process involved extensive research and development over several years, allowing team members to explore various aspects of exoskeleton design and functionality. Gemstone’s program structure, which emphasizes teamwork and innovation, has enabled the students to integrate their diverse academic backgrounds to create a cohesive and functional exoskeleton prototype. The team has also worked with faculty mentor Dr. Peter Sunderland, a professor in fire protection engineering, who has provided guidance throughout the project.
Team EXO is eager to integrate the insights gained from the competition into their future work. They plan to continue developing their exoskeleton and exploring new avenues for application in first responder scenarios. Their success at the Exo Games demonstrates the potential impact of their innovative research on enhancing the capabilities of first responders.
Check out this feature video from the ASTM Exo Games, “Meet Team EXO: University of Maryland.”
Team EXO members are Connor Bosco ’25, Jess Mense ’25, Tom Bigot ’25, Liam Smith ’25, Nick Salanitri ’25, Donald Spriggs ’25, and Brett Ingram ’25.
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Learn more about the Gemstone program at gemstone.umd.edu and Team EXO at exogemstone.weebly.com.
Photos courtesy of ASTM International Exo Games Competition.
