Wearable Robots

Wearable robotics covers exoskeletons, exosuits and powered orthoses that add support or strength at the back, shoulders, hips, knees or whole body. Employers buy them to ease lifting and overhead work, rehabilitation providers use them to help patients stand and walk, and individuals look for mobility and endurance support. Examples here include the Laevo back exoskeleton, Levitate Airframe, Sarcos Guardian XO, Ottobock C-Brace and Roam Ascend knee orthosis. THG lists wearables from these makers and others, so you can compare listings, view specs and request a quote.

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Exoskeletons and wearable robots for work and mobility

Passive or powered: how to choose

NIOSH's science bulletin on industrial exoskeletons describes two families: active devices powered by electric motors, pneumatics, hydraulics or a combination, and passive devices that rely on springs and counterbalance forces. It groups industrial models by function into back assist, shoulder and arm assist, tool holding or support, and leg assist. Start by naming the task you want to help with, such as repeated lifting, overhead work, tool holding or long periods of walking. Then compare support force or torque, device weight, range of motion, how quickly a worker can put it on, adjustment for different body sizes, battery life for powered units and comfort in heat. Trial the device with real workers on real tasks before you buy at scale.

Industrial, medical and personal uses

In logistics, manufacturing, construction and maintenance, back and shoulder exoskeletons support lifting, bending and overhead assembly, while full-body powered suits target heavy handling. The NIOSH bulletin cites studies in which exoskeletons reduced spinal muscle loading and fatigue, and shoulder assist devices decreased discomfort while increasing productivity. It also warns that some upper-body devices shift load to the lower back and legs rather than removing it, that exoskeletons can move the user's center of gravity and cause balance problems, and that many studies involved fewer than 15 participants in lab settings. In clinics and at home, powered lower-limb exoskeletons and knee orthoses help people with weakness or paralysis stand and walk. Performance wearables support hikers, skiers and workers on long climbs.

Medical rules and performance standards

In the United States, 21 CFR 890.3480 identifies a powered lower extremity exoskeleton as a prescription device placed over a person's paralyzed or weakened limbs for medical purposes and classifies it as Class II with special controls. Those controls include a training program for clinicians, users and companions covering safe environments and safety features, and labeling that reports adverse events and the conditions tested. For lower-back support devices, ISO 18646-4:2021 sets methods for specifying and evaluating the performance of lower-back support robots, whatever their driving method. ISO notes that it does not apply to medical robots and is not intended to verify or validate safety requirements. Ask makers which standards they test to, and run your own workplace risk assessment before rollout.

Frequently asked questions

Do back exoskeletons actually reduce strain?

The evidence is promising but still developing. NIOSH's bulletin on industrial exoskeletons reports reduced spinal muscle loading and fatigue in studies, but it also notes that many studies were small and lab-based and that some devices shift load to other parts of the body. Pilot devices with your own workers before a wider rollout.

How much does an exoskeleton cost?

Price depends on whether the device is passive or powered, which joints it supports, its battery and motor hardware, and whether it is sold as a medical device, which brings clinical testing, fitting and training requirements. Ask for quotes that include sizing options, spare parts and any software subscription.

Is a medical exoskeleton a prescription device?

In the United States, powered lower extremity exoskeletons are. 21 CFR 890.3480 identifies them as prescription devices placed over paralyzed or weakened limbs for medical purposes and classifies them as Class II with special controls, including user training. If you are outside the US, check the rules in your own country.

Sources and further reading