Samsung has patented a 'wearable robot' that lends its human user enhanced strength, Digital Spy reports.

The kit is equipped with an array of sensors that detect what type of movement the user is attempting, allowing it to provide assistance by generating an auxiliary torque for assisting their leg muscles.

The document conjures images of robotic battle suits from films like Edge of Tomorrow or the exoskeleton armour from Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, and Samsung does have the military in mind with this project.

However, its potential applications go beyond this, with the technology of theoretical use to construction workers and disabled people with impaired mobility.

Samsung is yet to confirm whether it plans to take its robotic suit to prototype, but it might come in handy if LG decides to "vandalise" any more of its washing machines.

So Apple had better hope that its rivalry with Samsung doesn't turn any nastier, as the Korean firm's latest patent might give it something to fear.