Industrial exoskeletons have seen widespread use in industrial applications, augmenting humans and allowing them to work harder and longer without resorting to full-fledged vehicles or ‘Mechs. In particular, space operations have benefited from exoskeletons, combining the vital equipment to protect the worker and maintain his life with systems that bolster the ability to function effectively in space.
         The Ailette is one such design, built in the Galax yards and used extensively by untethered workers. From a distance, it appears very similar to the hardened space suits used by astronauts when there is danger of collision with loose objects. However, closer examination reveals a number of enhancements in the suit, bolstering the wearer’s functionality and survivability. Servos at the major joints are the only visible sign of the artificial musculature within the suit that enhances the engineer’s strength significantly, allowing them to manipulate objects easily. Attitude control thrusters dotted around the suit serve a dual role-to facilitate movement (the thrusters can generate up to a full g of thrust in short bursts) and to stabilize the wearer when working. A specialized "attitude maintenance mode" allows wearers to compensate for their movements, allowing them to manipulate objects as if they were braced. However, limited reaction mass usually restricts the use of this mode to countering small-scale forces such as the torque of using a spanner or the firing of a bolt gun-to move or restrain large objects requires a dedicated tug unit. Many operations can be carried out with the mark I dexterous manipulator-the wearer’s hand-but a plethora of automated tools controlled via a servo-link to the left arm allow the wearer to carry out precision tasks such as cutting and welding with minimal risk.
         A reinforced high-visibility faceplate gives the wearer of the Ailette a clear view of surroundings, while an optical mesh built into the visor serves as both heads-up display and control interface for a hybrid voice/eye-recognition system. Based on advanced battle armor systems originally employed by the Clans, the wearer of the Ailette can activate the suit’s functions-such as movement or tool selection-by either speaking commands or looking at them on the HUD menu system. Both systems require advanced training but most orbital workers cross-trained on the Ailette have adapted well to the advanced suit.