Its miss of jetpacks means Heinlein’s visions of future crusade have still not come to pass, but we’re getting closer with word that Lockheed Martin’s Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC) exoskeleton is ready for military testing. Since last we heard of the thing it’s been “ruggedized” as well as made a small more battle-hardy, means to lift 200lbs plus the own 53lb heft without burdening the doughy soldier inside, demonstrated after the mangle. It supports a load and the own weight by articulated rods that follow a legs to a belligerent, definition grunts can haul complicated equipment to the conflict and arrive feeling rested. Next up for a fit is 8 weeks of military trials forward of attack a battlefield someday next year. Hooah, future robo-jockeys.