Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies

Dismounted infantry soldiers often carry backbreaking loads of equipment, which can exceed 140 pounds. Their equipment is not designed to work together, and they are inadequately protected from ballistic, chemical, and biological weapons. The Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) is working hard to change all that by transforming the traditional cotton/nylon Army fatigues and bulky gear into sleek, lightweight battle suits offering integrated protection, including responsive armor, health monitoring, and automated communications. The ISN’s mission is to develop and exploit nanotechnology to improve the survivability of soldiers. The ultimate goal is to help the U.S. Army create a 21st-century, high-tech battle suit that provides soldiers with the maximum levels of protection and comfort.

Designing the soldier system of the future is a task that requires a range of experts, from chemists to mechanical engineers. ISN takes a team-based approach to innovation, and divides its research into five strategic areas: