Physiological Design

Article: Military Medical/CBRN Technology

Johnstown, Pa.-based KDH Defense Systems is directing a U.S. Air Force project to test a new technology that maps out weight and placement of body armor. Using technology called Tactilus, which was developed by Madison, NJ.-based Sensor Products, the project aims to help designers and engineers create new body armor vests and carriage systems that place less strain on soldiers’ necks, shoulders and backs.

Soldier and rifle with vest and body armor being tested by sensor software.
Soldier and rifle with vest and body armor being tested by sensor software.

�The Tactilus® pressure mapping system … shows us any pressure points that develop, not just when soldiers stand in place but also when they perform ballistic motions, such as jumping, running quickly, turning, crouching or crawling on their bellies,� said one of the project leaders, Dr. Evan Goldman, a professor of gross anatomy and physiology at Philadelphia University. �By viewing images and statistics from sensors located beneath their vests, we can see how these pressure points move with the body in real time as they perform their maneuvers.�