So, as I was traversing the internet, I come across a article on a man-based power suit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_assistive_limb)that gives the wearer many times there natural strength, and would allow even a elderly/sickly man or woman to walk and lift heave objects.
...and, just like most of you you, Shardplate entered my mind long before any real-world practical applications. It would, for one, allow someone to wear full plate mail and be hardly slowed down. Even a replica of a Shardblade, unwieldy in the real world, could be held with ease.
But, of course, that power suit cost roughly the same as a small army of brigemen, or about $60,000. Since iv noted a shortage of highlords on the forums, ill assume that we wont see a modern Shardbearer any time soon... But its something neat to think on, isn't it?