Exoskeleton

A rigid external covering for the body in certain animals (e.g. insects, spiders) that provides protection and support.

The term is also used to describe a body covering that enhances a humans capabilities. For example, a powered exoskeleton consists of a skeleton-like framework worn by a person, and a power supply that supplies some of the activation-energy for limb movement. They may be designed to assist and protect soldiers and construction workers for example, or to aid the survival of people in other dangerous environments.