An exoskeleton or external structural support that is self-propelled, or an organism's naturally hardened outer framework.
From auto- (self) + skeleton (bone structure). Combines ancient Greek roots for self-supporting framework, used in biology and emerging robotics terminology.
Insects and crustaceans already have autoskeletons—their shells are both armor and support structure in one. Engineers now copy this design for robots, making exoskeletons that are structural and protective.
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