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Find out more about the growing market for exoskeleton technology and how IEC Standards and conformity assessment are pivotal in ensuring its safe and effective application.
Medical applications are a booming area for wearable robotics.
Getting ready for some heavy-duty work might mean rolling up your sleeves. But not too far into the future, it could mean strapping on an exoskeleton vest, which helps you pick up heavy objects without breaking your back and with considerably less effort and strain.
The concept of exoskeletons is not new. They have long been fantasized about in games and movies, where powered full-body suits enable superhuman strength and transform individuals into formidable fighting machines. While designs for wearables to augment human functions have captured the fancy of many inventors over the years, one of the first recorded attempts to build a modern exoskeleton came in 1965. General Electric and the United States Armed Forces developed the Hardiman, a powered exoskeleton intended to allow the wearer to lift heavy objects with ease. Despite its promising potential, the project faced numerous technical challenges and was eventually abandoned. But the technology has come a long way since then.
These innovative devices, designed to augment human strength, endurance and mobility, are being increasingly deployed in various sectors, such as healthcare, the military and industry. According to a recent market report, the global exoskeleton market is projected to grow from USD 499 million in 2021 to USD 3,3 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45,2%. As technology continues to advance, exoskeletons are pushing the boundaries of what humans can achieve, transforming tasks that were once deemed impossible.
According to the same report, applications for healthcare currently dominate the exoskeleton market, in part owing to a rising rate of spinal cord injuries, prompting a growing demand for exoskeleton solutions used in rehabilitation and treatment. Medical exoskeletons are now increasingly employed to assist individuals with mobility impairments, aiding in rehabilitation and improving the quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries or those affected by strokes.
In the military, wearable robotic suits can allow soldiers to carry heavy loads, traverse rough terrains and perform demanding tasks with reduced fatigue and increased efficiency. The US army, for example, has been investing in exoskeleton technology to improve soldier endurance and strength on the battlefield.
Exoskeleton robots are also increasingly being used in search and rescue missions to enhance the capabilities of rescue teams. These robots are designed to support and amplify the movements of the wearer, allowing rescue workers to lift heavy objects and clear debris with greater ease and endurance. Equipped with high-performance electric motors, GPS systems and cameras, these exoskeletons help rescue teams operate more effectively in disaster-stricken areas, even under extreme conditions.
In industrial settings, too, exoskeletons have a big potential for growth. Workers in manufacturing and construction often perform repetitive tasks that can lead to injuries and physical strain. Exoskeletons can help reduces stress on the spine, provide support to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhance overall productivity. In November 2024, Safetytech Accelerator, a non-profit focused on advancing innovation in safety-critical industries, published a report estimating a 58% decrease in the risk of injury for workers using wearable robotics and a 10% boost in productivity, even if these robotics cannot be a remedy to all strains.
"The use of exoskeletons can significantly improve the well-being of some of our employees in specific environments, but their widespread use does not provide a miracle solution to reducing arduousness. We will continue to look for tools and technologies to improve the health and safety of employees,” says Eric Hémar, Chairman of ID Logistics Group, commenting on the results of an in-depth study for providing more effective exoskeleton deployment strategy in its warehouses.
Exoskeletons can be active or passive. Active exoskeletons are powered by motors, batteries and sensors, providing additional force and support to the wearer. Passive exoskeletons, on the other hand, rely on mechanical structures and springs to distribute and reduce physical strain.
While active exoskeletons offer significant advantages in terms of strength and versatility, they also come with additional safety concerns. Ensuring safety from electrical hazards and flammability is crucial, especially for assembly line workers. Manufacturers must adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations to mitigate risks and protect users.
This is where adhering to IEC International Standards for electrical, electronic and related information technologies can help ensure safety and efficiency of performance. Sensors and motors which are widely used in exoskeletons are standardized by a couple of IEC Technical Committees. TC 2 prepares standards for all the motors used across industry, except the ones used in vehicles. It publishes the IEC 60034 series of international standards, including the internationally relevant test standard IEC 60034-2-1 for electric motors and the IEC 60034-30-1 classification scheme comprising four levels of motor efficiency which are expressed by IE-codes 1 to 4 (4 being the highest level). These IE-codes serve as a reference for governments around the world to specify the efficiency levels for their minimum energy performance standards (MEPS).
IEC TC 47 publishes key standards for the design, use and reuse of sensors, enabling users to measure their performance. Human augmentation as a field is also being scoped by the IEC/ISO Joint Systems Committee on Bio-digital Convergence, which identifies growing needs for standardization in the field. Insects are a notable source of inspiration.
Since the key offering of exoskeletons involves making life easier for workers operating in harsh environments, it implies that the equipment needs to function safely in such conditions too: parts of exoskeletons may need to be resistant to the cleaning chemicals used in healthcare, or components might need to be flameproof, or be able to withstand other types of hazardous industry environments.
IECEx, the IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres, has several decades of experience providing certification to standards relating to equipment, services and personnel in explosive atmospheres (hazardous areas). Exoskeleton robotics can benefit from IECEx certification to ensure they are able to operate safely in these high-risk settings.
Given the expanding use of hydrogen as part of the global energy transition, the existence of such hazardous areas is only increasing – in turn augmenting the demand for trustworthy certification for ensuring safety. This certification is crucial for manufacturers, as it enhances product safety, reduces testing costs and provides international recognition, facilitating the global trade of safer products.
In addition, IECQ, the IEC Quality Assessment System, enables the assessment of sensor manufacturers and associated service providers to see if they comply with the agreed international standards.
No domain today remains untouched by the powers of artificial intelligence (AI). The future of exoskeleton robotics, too, is intrinsically linked to advancements in AI. A team of researchers is using AI for a novel method to train and develop exoskeleton controllers without relying on lengthy human-involved experiments.
"Our approach marks a significant advancement in wearable robotics, as our exoskeleton controller is exclusively developed through AI-driven simulations," says Xianlian Zhou, Associate Professor and Director of The New Jersey Institute of Technology’s BioDynamics Lab. His team’s wearable robotics aim to work without requiring further human subject testing, making it less costly and involving less strain for the patients. Elderly or stroke survivors would no longer need to come to a lab or a clinic for extensive testing. This technology could, in the longer run, make restoring mobility more accessible for everyday in-home or community settings.
As the technology evolves, regulatory bodies wanting to ensure fair and safe implementation are also trying to keep up with the breakneck speed of evolving AI applications. Addressing key regulatory challenges for AI-enabled robotics at AI House during the 2025 World Economic Forum, Boris Inderbitzin, IEC External Relations Officer, spoke about the importance of international standards. “AI systems that are interacting with the physical world require a special set of governance. International standards such as the ones of ISO and the IEC are helping to create trust and safety in AI systems and robots expected to interact with human beings,” he emphasized.
Experts from the IEC and ISO joint technical committee which prepares standards for AI, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42, are working on standards to ensure AI is used safely and responsibly. Adhering to international standards builds trust and makes it easier for robot manufacturers to navigate the challenges of new regulations like the EU AI Act and Cyber Resilience Act which are crucial for safety and transparency.
As the integration of AI into exoskeletons continues to evolve, the potential applications and benefits will only expand, offering new opportunities for industries and society as a whole.