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.