The first big step on the road to a future where wars are fought with big stompy robots (the likes of which are found in Mechwarrior and Heavy Gear) has been taken.

Earlier this week, researchers from UC Berkeley showcased the Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) at the DARPA technical symposium in Anaheim, California. Granted, it isn't a full exoskeleton, but it's still quite something. It does not use a joystick for control, instead relying on 40 sensors and hydraulic actuators, and an onboard computer that works out how to move the exoskeleton in concert with the weare (so the wearer is not directly controlling it).

Jokes aside, this could have many uses all over the world, far beyond just the military. Interesting stuff.