Technology fundamentally serves as an amplifier of human capabilities. Take the telephone, extending our voices across distances, or the swiftness of a train compared to walking. In line with this concept, a robotic exoskeleton stands as a direct enhancement of human abilities, enabling users to lift heavier loads, surmount locomotor constraints, or execute tasks more swiftly. The technology holds promising potential, as projected by the consulting firm ABI Research, estimating a market value of $7.3 billion by 2030.
The latest breakthrough arises from the researchers at Simon Fraser University in Canada, unveiling a human exoskeleton capable of deciphering brain waves and translating them into physical movement. Notably, a woman paralyzed in both legs since 2015 was able to walk again after years confined to a wheelchair. Will such transformative applications become more prevalent in the near future? What trajectory lies ahead for this evolving technology?
This article covers the following topics:
What is a robotic exoskeleton?
Technically, it’s a wearable mechanical device designed to enhance physical capabilities externally, aimed at preventing injury, augmenting strength, or improving mobility. Its name stems from its resemblance to an external skeleton, akin to the protective shells in invertebrates like underwater arthropods or land-dwelling Coleoptera.
In the animal kingdom, the term “exoskeleton” is often applied to invertebrates such as arthropods in the underwater world or Coleoptera on land. In their case, it is a shell that protects soft tissues from predators or the elements.
Types of exoskeleton
Along with the type of material they are made of – soft, rigid or hybrid – these devices can be classified according to the part of the body they assist:
- Lower extremities: Aid in faster movement or leg rehabilitation.
- Upper extremities: Assist in lifting weights in industrial settings and restoring arm mobility.
- Full body: Offer comprehensive support to the back, arms, and legs, particularly useful in medical or industrial environments.
Primary technologies
Although there are also passive devices, i.e., without energy of their own, the focus here is on active exoskeletons, which are usually equipped with motors, sensors, and control systems that respond to the user’s movements, assisting as needed. To achieve this, they use hydraulic and pneumatic systems, as well as servomotors. In addition, thanks to the use of batteries, they can offer an autonomy of several hours.
As technology advances, exoskeletons are evolving to become lighter, more efficient, and more versatile. Especially full-body models, which, for now, are the most bulky. Thus, they are expected to join smart textiles to help users daily.
Main applications
Despite being in its early stages, human exoskeleton technology demonstrates significant potential across various sectors:
- Construction. This is one of the areas that is arousing most interest, with machines that already allow operators to lift up to 90 kilograms effortlessly. After all, there are already building materials inspired by an animal exoskeleton.
- Healthcare. The main users of exoskeletons in this sector promise to be people with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy and those undergoing rehabilitation, which will complement the new generation of prostheses and materials developed in biomedicine.
- Senior citizens. Elderly people will be able to use these devices in their daily lives to carry out simple tasks such as shopping or lifting objects at home, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
- Sports. This is perhaps the closest modality to science fiction. Still, depending on the user’s needs, some devices are already being developed that can propel the legs – or offer resistance to enhance muscle work.
How much will they cost?
The initial cost of robotic exoskeletons, primarily intended for healthcare and industry, ranges from $5,000 for passive models to $100,000 for advanced full-body models. However, as the technology matures, costs are expected to decrease, aligning with the projections of the consulting firm mentioned earlier. Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, exoskeletons will transition from being a niche technology to a commonplace tool, akin to cell phones or augmented reality glasses.
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