Medical Exoskeleton Market – By Component (Hardware, {Sensors, Actuators, Control Systems}, Software), By Type (Powered, Passive), By Extremities (Lower, Upper, Full body), By Modality, By Structure, By Application – Global Forecast (2024 – 2032)

Medical Exoskeleton Market Size

Medical Exoskeleton Market was valued at around USD 428.4 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 30.6% during the forecast period. A medical exoskeleton is a wearable robotic device designed to support, augment, or replace human movement, typically used in medical rehabilitation settings to assist individuals with mobility impairments resulting from conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, or neurological disorders. The market is expected to experience notable growth driven by the increasing prevalence of neurological diseases and injuries, coupled with rising number of people with physical disabilities, globally.
 

Stroke, neonatal encephalopathy (brain injury), migraine, dementia, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications from preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancers are some of the most prominent neurological conditions contributing to loss of patient health. The increasing prevalence of neurological diseases and injuries is a significant concern globally. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, more than 3 billion people worldwide were living with some kind of neurological condition, making it a leading cause of ill health and disability.

Additionally, diabetic neuropathy was the fastest-growing neurological condition, with the number of people suffering with diabetic neuropathy more than tripled globally since 1990, rising to 206 million cases in 2021. This increase is in line with the worldwide increase in diabetes. Hence, increase in these disease conditions are anticipated to be the primary factor propelling the demand for medical exoskeletons globally.

Medical Exoskeleton Market Trends

• The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing to improve personalized recovery and ease of handling are anticipated to drive the demand for medical exoskeletons, globally.
   
• The development of exoskeletons for full-body support and the use of soft materials for increased comfort and range of motion are noteworthy advancements in this field, that aim to increase the adoption rate among users. For instance, the development of suitX, by Ottobock, a full-body exoskeleton supports the complete body and relieves the wearer's weight during various activities, making it easier for individuals with disabilities and injuries to move again.
   
• Some medical exoskeletons enable reading nerve signals directly from the brain to activate the device, providing FES while controlling the exoskeleton. This integration can be particularly helpful for individuals with paraplegia.  
   
• Additionally, technological advancement has enabled the medical exoskeletons to be tied to screens and computer games to make completing repetitive tasks more entertaining and engaging. These technological advancements offer more efficient outcomes, thereby driving the market growth.
   

Medical Exoskeleton Market Analysis

The market, by component, is categorized into hardware and software. The hardware segment dominates the market with a revenue of around USD 322.4 billion in 2023.
 

• Continuous advancements in materials science, biomechanics, and robotic prosthetics have led to the development of more sophisticated hardware components. These advancements improve the performance, reliability, and comfort of medical exoskeletons, driving demand for newer models with enhanced hardware features.  
   
• Moreover, the increasing adoption of medical exoskeletons in clinical settings, along with ongoing research into their efficacy and applications, has spurred the demand for advanced hardware components.
   

The medical exoskeleton market by type, is categorized into powered and passive. The powered segment dominates the market in 2023 with a market share of 60.6%.
 

• Powered exoskeletons offer active assistance and human augmentation movement through motors, actuators, and sophisticated control systems. The advanced capabilities of powered exoskeletons make them particularly appealing for individuals with severe mobility impairments seeking comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.
   
• Moreover, powered exoskeletons offer customizable assistance levels that can be adjusted to suit the specific needs and capabilities of individual users, making them a preferred choice for patients and health professionals.
   

The market by extremities, is categorized into lower, upper, and full body. The lower extremity segment held a significant market share in 2023 and expected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2032.
 

• Lower extremity exoskeletons have demonstrated effectiveness in rehabilitation settings for improving walking ability, muscle strength, balance, and coordination in individuals with lower limb impairments. These improved outcomes provided by lower extremity exoskeletons contributes to the segmental growth.
   
• Moreover, lower extremity impairments, such as paralysis, weakness, or gait abnormalities, are prevalent among individuals with conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders. As the population affected by these conditions grows, so does the demand for assistive devices like lower extremity exoskeletons that can provide mobility assistance and rehabilitation support.
   

The medical exoskeleton industry by modality, is categorized into mobile and stationary. The mobile segment held a significant market share in 2023 and expected to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2032.
 

• Mobile exoskeletons provide users with enhanced mobility and independence by enabling them to walk, stand, and navigate through various environments both indoors and outdoors. This increased freedom of movement attracts the attention of patients and contributes to the segmental growth.
   
• Moreover, growing awareness among individuals with mobility impairments, as well as their caregivers and healthcare providers, about the benefits of mobile exoskeletons has contributed to rising demand for these devices.
   

The medical exoskeleton market by structure, is categorized into soft exoskeleton and rigid exoskeletons. The rigid exoskeleton segment dominates the market with significant market share of 55.7% in 2023.
 

• Rigid exoskeletons are typically more durable and long-lasting compared to soft exoskeletons, which may be prone to wear and tear over time. This durability makes rigid exoskeletons a cost-effective investment for healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers seeking reliable assistive devices for long-term use.
   
• Moreover, rigid exoskeletons provide robust support and stability to individuals with mobility impairments, helping them during activities such as standing, walking, and stair climbing. These features make them particularly suitable for users with severe impairments or those undergoing intensive rehabilitation programs, thus increasing the product demand.
   

The market by application, is categorized into spinal cord injury, stroke, and other applications. The spinal cord injury segment dominates the market with a market share of 40.6% in 2023.
 

• Spinal cord injuries are relatively common and can result in severe and long-term mobility impairments. The high prevalence of SCI creates a significant demand for assistive technologies like medical exoskeletons to help individuals regain mobility and independence.
   
• Moreover, spinal cord injuries often lead to paralysis or weakness in the lower limbs, resulting in significant mobility impairments. Medical exoskeletons can provide assistance and support in these conditions, contributes to their rising demand.
   

North America medical exoskeleton market accounted for USD 188 million in revenue in 2023 and is predicted to witness substantial market growth over the analysis timeline.
 

• North America boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure, including well-equipped hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and research institutions.
   
• This facilitates the adoption and integration of medical exoskeletons into clinical practice, enabling healthcare providers to offer cutting-edge rehabilitation services to patients with mobility impairments.
   

The U.S. held a dominant position in the medical exoskeleton industry, with a revenue of USD 179.1 million in 2023.
 

• The increasing prevalence of disability may contribute to the rising demand of medical exoskeleton in the country. For instance, approximately one in four adults in the U.S., totaling 61 million people, reports living with at least one disability.  
   

Europe is witnessing a surge in the demand for exoskeletons in healthcare and personal assistance applications, which is contributing to the growth of the market in the region. Additionally, the significant aging population in Europe is driving the need for mobility-enhancing technologies like medical exoskeletons.
 

• Additionally, the presence of a significant aging population in the UK is driving the need for mobility-enhancing technologies like medical exoskeletons, which is also contributing to the Europe market.
   
• Germany is anticipating a dominant position within the Europe medical exoskeleton industry due to several factors, including the rising prevalence of neurological and orthopedic diseases, and the surge in the number of product launches and approvals for medical exoskeletons.
   

Japan medical exoskeleton market is anticipated to witness substantial growth during 2024-2032.
 

• The advantages of exoskeletons for personal mobility in the healthcare sector, such as enabling upright walking and the relearning of lost functions for stroke and paralysis patients, are fueling the Japan market.
   
• Additionally, surge in the number of patients with body movement disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and other diseases, is also driving market growth in Japan.
   

China exhibits a high growth potential in the medical exoskeleton industry.
 

• The demand for effective rehabilitation approaches, including the use of new and advanced technologies and products, is increasing across the globe, which is considered a positive indicator for the growth of the market in China.
   
• Additionally, companies and research organizations are putting more emphasis on agreements and collaborations for the development of exoskeleton technology.
   

Medical Exoskeleton Market Share

The medical exoskeleton industry is fragmented in nature, with various large multinationals and small and mid-sized companies competing in the industry. The development and launch of novel devices with improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness are key market strategies for medical exoskeleton manufacturers, driving competition and innovation in the industry.
 

Medical Exoskeleton Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the industry include:

• B-Temia
• CYBERDYNE INC.
• Ekso Bionics
• ExoAtlet
• Hocoma
• Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• PARKER HANNIFIN CORP
• ReWalk Robotics
• Rex Bionics Ltd.
• Suit X
• Wearable Robotics srl
   

Medical Exoskeleton Industry News:

• In December 2023, Ekso Bionics, a leading company in the medical exoskeleton industry, announced that it has received CMS coding approval for its Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton. This approval allowed the company to expand the accessibility of its product to eligible individuals and improve its reputation in the market.
   
• In November 2021, ReWalk Robotics received a breakthrough device designation from the FDA for its ReBoot soft exo-suit, which is designed to restore ankle function after a stroke. This expansion of the product portfolio allowed ReWalk to cater to a broader range of customers and increase their market share.
   

Medical exoskeleton market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Component

• Hardware
  • Sensors
    • Gyroscopes
    • Accelerometers
    • Other sensors
  • Actuators
    • Pneumatic actuator
    • Hydraulic actuator
    • Electric actuator
  • Power sources
  • Control systems
  • Other hardware component
• Software

By Type

• Powered
• Passive

By Extremities

• Lower
• Upper
• Full body

By Mobility

• Mobile
• Stationary

By structure

• Soft exoskeleton
• Rigid exoskeleton

By Application

• Spinal cord injury    
• Stroke
• Other applications

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa