Although largely known as a device used in the healthcare sector where its typically hard mechanical frame is employed for therapeutic, rehabilitative and assistive applications, exoskeletons of all varieties and use cases are emerging in assorted shapes and sizes, with some exoskeletons comprised of hard materials and others of soft materials.

These wearable structures, which are designed to support movement, are not limited to healthcare applications where they assist those with injuries. Rather, exoskeletons are also being designed for military and industrial applications.

Follow along with GlobalSpec as we look back at the seemingly endless variety of exoskeletons currently in various stages of development.

Healthcare uses

Exoskeletons for the healthcare sector are typically intended for improving the quality of life of those with mobility impairments, helping those with injuries to regain strength and endurance, and offering assistance with everyday tasks.

Of this exoskeleton variety, there are endless offerings. Among them is a robotic exoskeleton developed by researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and computer simulations to assist individuals with mobility challenges, like the elderly or stroke survivors, or to enhance the rehabilitation process.

This exoskeleton takes the form of a hip device that helps users conserve energy as they walk, run and climb stairs.

Meanwhile, a soft robotic exoskeleton from Harvard and Boston University has been designed with people diagnosed with Parkinson’s (and other diseases) in mind. Specifically, Parkinson’s patients struggle with “freezing” wherein the patient’s ability to walk is impaired via unsteady footing, thereby increasing the likelihood of falls.

In response, the researchers developed a technology that features sensors for detecting movement and that uses algorithms to estimate the walker’s gait while cable-driven actuators activate, thus offering the walker mechanical assistance midstride.

Military uses

Source: Mehler Protection

Beyond healthcare, exoskeletons are making in-roads in the military and rescue sectors. One example where exoskeletons are proving their might is the ExoM armored exoskeleton from German manufacturer Mehler Protection. The ExoM is both bulletproof, thanks to its body armor panels, and load reducing due to its titanium frame that redistributes as much as 70% of the total load from the wearer’s shoulders.

Similarly, the Forge System exoskeleton has been developed for the U.S. Air Force. This pneumatically powered exoskeleton reportedly augments the leg strength of aerial porters who are responsible for managing cargo and loading and unloading cargo planes, thereby preventing fatigue and reducing workplace injuries.

Source: Roam Robotics

According to its developers, the Forge System features pneumatically actuated leg braces and a backpack, which serves as the brain and power of the exoskeleton.

Industrial uses

One area where exoskeleton technology is emerging at a rapid pace is the industrial sector. This sector, which is largely plagued by long periods of repetitive tasks and heavy overhead lifting, has significantly benefitted from exoskeleton technology with companies like Hilti North American’s launch of a wearable exoskeleton that functions as a human augmentation device for industrial users to help reduce strain and fatigue.

The wearable exoskeleton, dubbed EXO-O1, is intended to alleviate the burden of overhead and shoulder height and above applications because this type of motion is physically intensive and fatiguing.

Likewise, the Japanese startup Archelis Inc. has developed its own exoskeleton suit that protects factory workers from leg and lower-back strains incurred from standing for long hours on the job.

According to the company the ArchelisFX suit wraps around the thighs, knees and feet to support both the wearer’s legs and back, while also allowing workers to walk and bend their knees freely so that they can sit anywhere while technically still standing.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group has developed a wearable vest to assist factory workers who also work in overhead settings.

When worn, the robot, called the Vest Exoskeleton (VEX), reportedly improves a worker’s ergonomics and productivity while reducing worker fatigue and the potential for injury by mimicking the motions of human joints, thereby boosting mobility and load support. The VEX combines several pivot points along with multilink muscular assistance, thus making a battery unnecessary.

The wearable robot weighs just 2.5 kg, making the device lightweight enough to be worn for extended periods of time. It is worn much like a backpack with shoulder straps and waist and chest buckles that can be adjusted to fit an assortment of body types.

These are just a sampling of the exoskeletons out there for the medical, military and industrial sectors. Check back with GlobalSpec as more exoskeletons are sure to join the exoskeleton revolution.