Rumour has it, these ancient gates are residual technology from a long extinct civilization. Perhaps a kind of altar. It is thought they were used to equalise the balance of power amongst inhabitants by temporarily revoking access to weapons or abilities.

When standing on the gate, you can see what it will affect:

Removes the blaster. Perhaps a short-range weapon could slip through unnoticed?

Removes the jet-pack. Only a very small hop is possible without it.

Removes the shield. Proceed with caution!