Barquero '29 Grapple-Hoppers

Work in Progress

Resembling a calf high boot with human-like fingers extruded from the tops of where toes would be, a seperate raised sole attached via hydraulics and a heel able to fold down or retract into the calf, the Barquero Grapple Hopper is a mobility enhancement designed to mount with a power-truss.

Resembling robotic fingers, these are designed to designed to dig into concrete, stone and brick for sheer climbing or offer additional affordance.

By using percussive action, the underside of the boot is able to provide intense force able to throw a user up into the air – and then, absorb landings provided properly placed. Used properly, a user can kick off surfaces and make severe landings at terminal velocity – though landings often stun the user.

The shock-plate typically can only manage a specific number of landings and jumps before its coils require changing. Regular users may carry spares, which can be hot-swapped.

The Barquero is designed to join to a Powered-Truss, a type of wearable mobile machine powered by a system of motors, pneumatics, levers, hydraulics that allow for limb movement, increased strength, speed, stability and endurance.