今年，西雅图山地救援队的队员们开始佩戴一种特殊的装备，深入美国太平洋西北部的荒野地带。这些装备被安装在他们的髋部和腿部，属于动力辅助装置。此类装置旨在增强使用者在攀爬或搬运重物时的下肢力量。
This year, members of Seattle Mountain Rescue have been setting off into the wilds of the US Pacific Northwest wearing an unusual piece of kit.
目前，救援人员正在测试这些设备能否在搜救被困人员的关键时刻有效提升他们的行动速度与耐力。
They’ve been hiking into the wilderness with powered assistive devices attached to their hips and legs. Designed to increase lower-body strength when climbing or carrying heavy loads, these pieces of equipment are being tested to see if they can boost rescuers’ speed and endurance when it matters most—during searches for stranded people.
这类装置被称为人体外骨骼，它们附着在身体各部位，形成一种外部的机械结构，从而增强佩戴者的体能表现。
Devices like these are called human exoskeletons. They attach to parts of the body to create an external—or “exo”—mechanical structure. This powered frame enhances the wearer’s physical capabilities.