Burlington, ON – July 17, 2025

MG Chemicals, a leading North American manufacturer of specialty chemical products for the electronics industry, is proud to support a Canadian university team working to develop a next-generation exoskeleton suit designed to enhance human strength and mobility.

While exoskeleton technology is already being used in industrial settings to prevent injury from repetitive motion and heavy lifting, its application in military and medical contexts is rapidly evolving. Notably, musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are a leading cause of non-deployability in the Canadian Armed Forces (Stacey, 2023)​, with over one-third of personnel affected. Soldiers often carry packs weighing in excess of 35 kilograms (Rickard, 2021)​, contributing to these injuries. The exoskeleton project underway at this university aims to address such physical demands, initially focusing on mobility assistance for people with disabilities, with significant potential for defense-related use in the future.

This ambitious project presents several technical challenges, beginning with electrical safety. The system’s high-voltage components, such as batteries, transformer coils, and motor windings, require robust insulation to prevent arcing and short circuits. MG Chemicals' 4226A​ clear insulating varnish met this challenge, known for its high dielectric strength, excellent arc and corona resistance, and strong protection against moisture, corrosion, and saltwater exposure.

In high-power systems, fire safety is also a critical concern. The project incorporates flame-retardant adhesives and potting compounds like 8349TFM​ and 834HTC​ to secure battery modules and sensitive electronics inside enclosures. These materials offer durable environmental protection while reducing fire risk.

Given the wide range of environmental conditions the suit may encounter, including moisture from external sources and even the operator’s own sweat, lightweight moisture protection is essential in areas particularly sensitive to mechanical stress. MG Chemicals’ 422C​ acrylic conformal coating provides effective moisture and saltwater resistance without adding weight or mechanical stress. It also offers easy serviceability, as it can be removed with a chemical stripper or thermally in emergency repair scenarios.

Another major consideration is friction reduction across the suit’s many moving joints. For this, the team is using MG Chemicals’ 8461​, a high-performance lubricant suitable for metal-to-metal, metal-to-plastic, and plastic-to-plastic applications. This ensures smooth, reliable operation across all motion-critical components.

Although exoskeleton suits are not yet standard issue in military forces, development is accelerating. These systems are expected to augment a soldier’s natural capabilities by enhancing strength and endurance while reducing the risk of injury during physically demanding tasks.

MG Chemicals is proud to support this Canadian-led innovation at the intersection of healthcare, advanced robotics, and defense. As technologies like these mature, they hold the promise to not only restore mobility to those with physical limitations, but also to revolutionize how militaries operate in the field.​