Global Soft Exoskeleton Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Recent Developments:

• In October 2023, ReWalk Robotics partnered with European hospitals to deploy soft exoskeletons for rehabilitation therapy, advancing mobility for spinal injury patients

• In June 2023, Hyundai Robotics showcased lightweight wearable exoskeletons aimed at reducing worker fatigue in automotive assembly lines

The Global Soft Exoskeleton Market is evolving rapidly, with its segmentation offering insights into how this innovative technology is applied across various sectors. The market is divided by product and application, reflecting the versatility and growing adoption of soft exoskeletons in diverse industries.

By product, the market is segmented into full body, upper body, and lower body exoskeletons. Full body exoskeletons provide comprehensive support to the entire body, enabling users to enhance overall mobility, strength, and endurance. These exoskeletons are typically designed for individuals with mobility impairments or those in need of assistance with movement due to age, injury, or neurological conditions. Upper body exoskeletons focus on providing support to the arms, shoulders, and torso, which are essential for tasks that require repetitive arm movements or heavy lifting, often used in industrial applications or healthcare settings. Lower body exoskeletons, on the other hand, are designed to assist with leg movements, supporting walking, standing, and walking over long distances. These are highly valuable in rehabilitation settings, particularly for individuals recovering from lower limb injuries or stroke. The segmentation by product highlights the customization available in soft exoskeletons, catering to specific physical needs in diverse use cases.

By application, the market is divided into healthcare, industrial, military, and others. In healthcare, soft exoskeletons are used primarily for rehabilitation, enabling patients to regain mobility, improve strength, and enhance their physical therapy. These devices help individuals with conditions like paralysis, stroke, or musculoskeletal injuries by offering targeted support and reducing physical strain during therapy. In the industrial sector, exoskeletons are used to assist workers in performing physically demanding tasks, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and improving worker productivity. They are particularly useful in jobs involving repetitive lifting, bending, or long hours of standing. In the military sector, soft exoskeletons are increasingly being developed to enhance soldiers’ strength and endurance, improving their ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and in demanding environments. These applications are key in reducing fatigue and improving operational efficiency. The other category includes various niche applications, such as those in sports, agriculture, and research, where soft exoskeletons can help with specific movements or tasks requiring physical assistance.

Overall, the segmentation of the soft exoskeleton market underscores the growing range of use cases and applications for this technology, with significant benefits in healthcare, industry, and military settings. As advancements in soft robotics continue, the adoption of soft exoskeletons is expected to expand, offering greater support and mobility across a variety of industries.

Global Soft Exoskeleton Market Analysis

In this report, the Global Soft Exoskeleton Market has been segmented by Product, Application, and Geography.

Global Soft Exoskeleton Market, Segmentation by Product

The Global Soft Exoskeleton Market has been segmented by Product into Full Body, Upper Body, and Lower Body.

Full body exoskeletons provide comprehensive support to the entire body, including the arms, legs, back, and torso. These exoskeletons are designed to enhance overall strength, mobility, and endurance, making them suitable for a variety of applications. In healthcare, full body exoskeletons are used for rehabilitation and mobility assistance for individuals with physical disabilities or injuries. In industrial settings, they can help workers perform physically demanding tasks with reduced strain on the body.

Upper body exoskeletons focus on supporting the arms, shoulders, and back, providing assistance with tasks that involve lifting or repetitive arm movements. These devices are particularly beneficial in industrial applications, such as manufacturing and construction, where workers often face physically demanding tasks. By reducing strain on the upper body, these exoskeletons can improve productivity and reduce the risk of injury.

Lower body exoskeletons provide support to the legs and lower back, aiding in walking, standing, and lifting tasks. In healthcare, lower body exoskeletons are used for mobility assistance and rehabilitation for individuals with lower limb disabilities or injuries. In industrial settings, they can help workers perform tasks that require prolonged standing or walking, reducing fatigue and improving safety.

Global Soft Exoskeleton Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Soft Exoskeleton Market has been segmented by Application into Healthcare, Industrial, Military, and Others.

In the healthcare sector, soft exoskeletons play a crucial role in assisting individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities. These wearable devices support rehabilitation and recovery by providing mechanical assistance for walking, standing, or other movements. They can benefit patients with conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis. Soft exoskeletons offer a promising avenue for improving quality of life and increasing independence for people with mobility challenges.

The industrial application of soft exoskeletons focuses on providing ergonomic support to workers performing physically demanding tasks. These devices can reduce strain on the body, particularly in jobs that involve repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing. By offering support to the arms, back, and legs, soft exoskeletons can improve productivity, reduce fatigue, and lower the risk of work-related injuries.

In the military sector, soft exoskeletons are being explored to enhance soldiers' performance, endurance, and overall safety during missions. These devices can provide support for carrying heavy equipment and reduce the physical strain of prolonged marching or standing. Soft exoskeletons may also enhance soldiers' agility and mobility, potentially leading to improved mission outcomes.

The others category includes emerging applications of soft exoskeleton technology in areas such as sports and recreation, where these devices can enhance athletic performance and aid in training. They can also be used in assisting the elderly in day-to-day activities, as well as in entertainment and gaming to create immersive experiences.

Global Soft Exoskeleton Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Soft Exoskeleton Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Global Soft Exoskeleton Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America is a leading market for soft exoskeletons, driven by the region's strong emphasis on technological innovation and early adoption of advanced wearables. The presence of key market players, coupled with high healthcare spending and a focus on worker safety in industries such as manufacturing and logistics, contributes to the growth of the soft exoskeleton market in this region.

Europe is another major market for soft exoskeletons, characterized by a robust healthcare system and a strong focus on research and development in assistive technologies. The region's emphasis on workplace safety and ergonomics, as well as its aging population, creates demand for soft exoskeletons in industrial and healthcare applications. In Asia Pacific, the market for soft exoskeletons is rapidly expanding due to the region's growing industrial sector, rising healthcare investments, and increasing awareness of advanced wearable technologies. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront of adopting soft exoskeletons for industrial, healthcare, and military uses.

The Middle East and Africa region is an emerging market for soft exoskeletons, with potential growth opportunities in healthcare and industrial sectors. As countries in the Middle East invest in healthcare infrastructure and industries, there is an increasing demand for technologies that enhance worker safety and aid in rehabilitation and mobility. Latin America is another emerging market for soft exoskeletons, driven by a growing interest in healthcare innovation and the need for ergonomic solutions in industrial sectors. The region's aging population and increased focus on workplace safety also contribute to the demand for soft exoskeletons.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Soft Exoskeleton Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities.

Drivers:

• Increasing demand for mobility assistance and rehabilitation in healthcare
• Growing focus on workplace safety and ergonomics in industrial sectors
• Aging population in various regions increasing demand for assistive devices
• Military interest in enhancing soldier performance and endurance

• Rising awareness of the benefits of soft exoskeletons - Rising awareness of the benefits of soft exoskeleton technology serves as a significant driver for the global soft exoskeleton market. As industries and consumers become more knowledgeable about the advantages of soft exoskeletons, demand for these wearable devices is on the rise. These benefits include enhanced mobility and strength, reduced physical strain, and improved quality of life for individuals in various sectors.

  In the healthcare field, soft exoskeletons offer valuable support for rehabilitation and mobility assistance for patients with physical disabilities or injuries. Patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are increasingly recognizing how these devices can aid in recovery and help individuals regain independence in their daily lives. The military sector is exploring the advantages of soft exoskeletons for enhancing soldiers' performance and endurance. As the military becomes more familiar with the potential applications of this technology, investment in research and development for military-specific exoskeletons is expected to increase.

  In industrial settings, soft exoskeletons provide ergonomic support to workers, reducing the risk of work-related injuries and fatigue. As awareness of these benefits spreads, companies are more inclined to adopt soft exoskeletons as part of their safety and productivity measures. Workers also recognize the potential for improved comfort and efficiency in performing physically demanding tasks.

Restraints:

• Concerns about device reliability and durability
• Complex regulatory approval processes
• Potential for discomfort or limited adaptability to individual users

• Risk of injuries or strain from improper use - The risk of injuries or strain from improper use presents a notable restraint for the global soft exoskeleton market. While soft exoskeletons offer significant benefits in terms of mobility, strength, and support, their effectiveness and safety depend on proper usage. Incorrect use of these devices can lead to injuries or strain, potentially negating their intended advantages.

  One potential risk arises when users do not receive adequate training or instruction on how to correctly wear and operate soft exoskeletons. Improper alignment or fitting can lead to discomfort or strain on muscles and joints, reducing the effectiveness of the exoskeleton and possibly causing harm to the user. Additionally, over-reliance on the exoskeleton without considering the user's physical capabilities can lead to overexertion or strain. Users may push their bodies beyond safe limits, resulting in injuries. This is particularly concerning in industries where workers may already be performing physically demanding tasks.

  A lack of standardized safety protocols and guidelines for the use of soft exoskeletons can exacerbate the risk of injuries. Variability in device design and user requirements may also contribute to the potential for misuse and subsequent harm.

Opportunities:

• Development of customized soft exoskeleton solutions for specific industries
• Integration with other wearable and assistive technologies
• Innovations in materials science for improved comfort and durability
• Increasing demand for remote patient monitoring and care

• Potential for soft exoskeletons in rehabilitation clinics and facilities - The potential for soft exoskeletons in rehabilitation clinics and facilities represents a significant opportunity for the global soft exoskeleton market. These wearable robotic devices can play a transformative role in the rehabilitation process for patients with mobility impairments or physical disabilities. Soft exoskeletons offer a range of benefits in rehabilitation settings. By providing mechanical assistance to patients, they can aid in the recovery of motor function and mobility. This assistance can be particularly valuable for individuals recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions that affect movement.

  In rehabilitation clinics, soft exoskeletons can be used to support patients during gait training, balance exercises, and other physical therapy activities. The devices offer a safe and controlled environment for patients to practice walking and other movements, which can accelerate recovery and improve outcomes. The integration of soft exoskeletons in rehabilitation clinics and facilities also has the potential to increase access to rehabilitation services. As the technology becomes more widely adopted, it may become more cost-effective and accessible to a larger number of patients, improving overall rehabilitation outcomes.

  Soft exoskeletons can be customized to meet the specific needs of individual patients. This personalization can enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, making therapy more targeted and efficient. Additionally, the use of soft exoskeletons can reduce the physical strain on therapists, allowing them to focus on providing personalized care and support.

Key players in Global Soft Exoskeleton Market include,

• Roam Robotics
• Bioservo Technologies AB
• Daiya Industry
• Ekso Bionics
• ReWalk Robotics
• Defence Science and Technology Organization (DTSO)
• Gogoa
• Harvard Biodesign Lab
• Otherlab Orthotics
• SRI International

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis