Much of this thesis looked at performing a cogent literature review of exoskeletons to determine the state-of-the-art and to determine the remaining needs in exoskeletal design. The literature review of over 80 journals, allowed the researcher to determine the lack of research in upper body exoskeletons for training in civilian, military, and law enforcement personnel.

Thus the genesis of the Armed Robotic Control for Training in Civilian Law Enforcement, or ARCTiC LawE, an upper body exoskeleton designed to assist civilian, military, and law enforcement personnel in accurate, precise, and reliable handgun techniques. This exoskeleton training utilizes a laser based handgun with similar dimensions, trigger pull, and break action to a Glock ® 19 pistol, common to both public and private security sectors.

The project aims to train and test subjects with no handgun training/experience with the ARCTiC LawE, and without, and compare the results of accuracy, precision, and speed. Ultimately, the exoskeleton greatly impacts sensory motor learning and the biomechanical implications are confirmed via both performance and physiological measurements. The researchers believe the ARCTiC LawE to be a viable substitute for training with live fire hand guns to reduce the cost of training time and munitions and will increase accuracy and precisions for typical law enforcement and military live fire drills. Additionally, this project increases the breadth of knowledge for exoskeletons as a tool for training.