8 Science Experiments Inspired By Superheroes

7. Iron Man - Exo-Skeletons

Whilst a full Iron Man suit is currently beyond us, technologically - not to mention that the physics mean Tony Stark is more likely to resemble a pound of mince than a superhero after a couple of heavy blows in that suit - scientists are definitely taking steps towards the mechanically enhanced soldier of the future.

DARPA have long been researching way to enable military personnel to carry all of their equipment over long distances and, rather than making the equipment lighter, they're making the soldiers stronger. The suits don't cover the whole body like Iron Man's, but act as a framework to take some of the stain off the soldiers' spine and limbs.

There's also potential to create exoskeletons that can help rehabilitate patients with limited mobility or even aid the paralysed.