A US defense project has followed through with a plan to create "The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton", or Bleex, to be used mainly by infantry soldiers and firemen. From BBC News:

"The device consists of a pair of mechanical metal leg braces including a power unit and a backpack-like frame.

More than 40 sensors and hydraulic mechanisms calculate how to distribute weight just like the nervous system.

These helps minimise the load for the wearer.

A large rucksack carried on the back contains an engine, control system and space for a payload."