Exoskeleton wearables are no longer just experimental technologies; they are actively being used in various fields including healthcare, industry, military, and elderly care. These devices, designed to support or enhance human movement, are being tailored to solve specific, real-world problems in different environments.

Let’s begin with the medical field, where several exoskeletons have already been commercialized.
Take the ReWalk Personal 6.0, for example. This device enables individuals with spinal cord injuries to stand and walk again, independently. It was the first personal-use exoskeleton approved by the U.S. FDA and is designed for both home and community use.

Meanwhile, Cyberdyne’s HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) from Japan goes even further by interpreting the user’s bioelectrical signals to detect movement intent. It doesn’t just support the body mechanically—it helps users reestablish the sensation of walking. On the other hand, Ekso Bionics offers the EksoNR, a clinical rehabilitation system used by therapists to help stroke or spinal injury patients relearn walking with real-time feedback and data tracking.

Now moving into the industrial field, where repetitive lifting and overhead tasks cause major physical strain, we see another set of innovations.
Sarcos Robotics has developed the Guardian XO, a full-body powered exoskeleton that allows users to lift up to 90kg with minimal effort.
In Germany, Ottobock’s Paexo Shoulder is a lightweight, non-powered device that supports overhead work, especially useful in automotive assembly lines.
Similarly, Hyundai’s H-VEX is a mechanical exoskeleton developed for factory workers. It reduces stress on the shoulders without requiring any power, and is already being used in Hyundai production facilities.

When it comes to military applications, exoskeletons are designed to enhance strength, endurance, and load-bearing capacity.
The XOS 2, developed by Raytheon Sarcos, is a hydraulic full-body suit that helps soldiers carry heavy gear while maintaining agility.
Lockheed Martin’s ONYX is more compact, focusing on the knees and legs. It uses AI to adjust support based on terrain, and is being tested in both military and industrial settings.

Lastly, there’s a growing market for daily assistance exoskeletons, particularly for seniors or people with reduced mobility.
South Korea’s Angel Robotics offers the Angel Legs M20, a lightweight gait-support device that’s currently being piloted in hospitals and elderly care centers.
Honda, in Japan, has developed its Walking Assist Device, a minimal, knee-focused system used for rehabilitation and walking training.

What’s remarkable is how diverse these exoskeletons have become—each designed with a specific purpose and user in mind.
This brings us to some key questions worth exploring in today’s discussion:

• Which sector is leading in terms of real-world adoption—healthcare or industry?

• What are the advantages and limitations of powered vs non-powered exoskeletons?

• If elderly people start using walking exoskeletons widely, how might that reshape our views on aging and independence?

• Can military-grade technologies successfully transition into civilian or commercial use?

To support our conversation, here’s a summary table of the key products we’ve discussed.

Summary Table of Exoskeleton Wearable Products