Industrial exoskeletons
Back, shoulder, arm and hand supports that reduce strain in lifting, carrying and overhead work.
- Products listed
- 24
- Powered / passive
- 9 / 15
- With a public price
- 19 of 24
- Price range
- ≈ $219 to $11,247
Industrial exoskeletons are built for repetitive physical work in logistics, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and care. Instead of making the wearer stronger, most are designed to take some load off specific muscles and joints during tasks that are repeated hundreds of times a day.
Passive supports
Most workplace exoskeletons are passive: springs or elastic bands store energy as you bend or raise your arms and give it back as you straighten up. They are light, need no charging and cost far less than powered systems.
- Back, for lifting and bending: Ottobock Paexo Back, Laevo FLEX, Auxivo LiftSuit, HeroWear Apex 2 and Skelex Edge. Soft “exosuits” trade some support for comfort and freedom of movement.
- Shoulder, for overhead work: Hilti EXO-S, Ekso EVO, Levitate AIRFRAME and Auxivo DeltaSuit.
- Legs: the Chairless Chair works as a wearable seat for jobs that involve long periods of standing.
Powered systems
Powered industrial exoskeletons use motors to actively assist lifting, and some also help with walking. They suit heavier or more frequent lifts, such as in warehouses and patient handling. Examples include the German Bionic Apogee range, exoIQ B900, VIGX lumbar units and, for grip, the Ironhand glove.
Getting the most from them
- Match the device to the task. A back support that helps with lifting can get in the way when walking or climbing.
- Trial before you buy. Most suppliers offer trials, and many offer leasing or per-user subscriptions.
- Involve the wearers. Comfort, heat, fit and how quickly a device comes off decide whether it actually gets worn.
- Use it alongside, not instead of, good ergonomics. Exoskeletons don’t replace lifting aids, job rotation or workplace redesign.