Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics

In Episode 7 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast, hosts Bobby Marinov (ExR) and Tom Sugar (WearRA) team up to uncover the recurring challenges that have slowed the widespread adoption of exoskeleton technology—issues like fit, comfort, proving the return on investment (ROI), limitations in range of motion, heat management, and more. The episode delves into these barriers to understand why the path to widespread adoption is more challenging than it may seem.ExR's perspective: In the first six Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast episodes, we've explored the different types of exoskeletons, their applications, and their incredible potential. We stand at the threshold of a physical revolution—just as the digital revolution transformed how we communicate and work, physical augmentation tools like exoskeletons could reshape how we approach manual labor, physical rehabilitation, and even our independence. This synergy between human intuition and robotic endurance promises to bring out the best of both worlds. But if the potential is so immense, why aren't exoskeletons already part of everyday life or common in workplaces? Why haven’t they received the same massive investments as technologies like VR, drones, or cryptocurrency? The reality is more complex.Find out more on:ExoskeletonReport.comWearableRobotics.comSpecial thanks to our Patreon subscribers: V.I.P. Volker Bartenbach, Rita Vazquez-Torres, MinMar, and Corporate Subscribers Auxivo and Josh via Humotech. Your support encourages us to produce more podcast episodes and keep operating the Exoskeleton Report website.Support the show

Medical exoskeletons are some of the first and oldest examples of wearable robotics. This is the last general overview episode of the applications of exoskeleton technology. Tom and I were cautious in our statements. We realize that countless people suffer from mobility impairments and could benefit from inexpensive, easy-to-use medical wearables. On the one hand, we didn't want to oversell what medical exoskeletons can do now and in the future, but we also didn't want to understate their potential impact.Visit the Exoskeleton Report and the Wearable Robotics Associatoin websites for more information. Special thanks to our Patreon supporters.Support the show

One of the quickly growing applications of wearable technology is for recreational, sports, fitness, and education use. Consumer exoskeletons come in all sizes and flavors and hosts Tom and Bobby explore what is on the market and how it compares to related technologies. Support the show

What are the applications for military exoskeletons and wearable robots? Tom Sugar (Wearable Robotics Association) and Bobby Marinov (Exoskeleton Report) discuss vibration mitigation, energy harvesting, logistics, gravity compensating, and mobility-enhancing exos for defense and military applications.Summary:In Episode 4 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast, hosts Bobby and Professor Tom Sugar explore military applications of exoskeleton technology. They discuss how exoskeletons can support soldiers in combat and logistics, focusing on reducing physical strain through load redistribution. For instance, soldiers carrying up to 120 pounds of equipment benefit from exoskeletons that shift the weight to the ground or hips, aiming to prevent long-term injuries and improve endurance.The hosts also delve into energy-harvesting exoskeletons, which generate power from movement to recharge essential equipment. While promising, these systems face challenges such as added weight and the amount of walking required for effective energy generation.Another key focus is on shock-absorbing exoskeletons, which are designed to reduce vibrations from fast-moving vehicles and protect the knees and the spine. However, poorly designed systems could transfer vibrations to other body parts, potentially causing injury.Exoskeletons are also being developed for logistics tasks, like loading heavy crates and handling supplies. These systems reduce strain during repetitive lifting tasks, benefiting military and industrial applications. Additionally, exoskeletons designed for lateral movement assist soldiers in quick mobility across varying terrain, with powered devices targeting joints like the hips and knees.The discussion extends to neck exoskeletons, which help reduce strain from wearing heavy helmets and other headgear. By redistributing weight, these systems relieve neck fatigue during extended missions.Bobby and Tom address the benefits and challenges of adopting exoskeletons in military operations, citing issues like weight, comfort, and power requirements. They conclude that, while adoption is still in its early stages, future devices may play a larger role in logistics and combat scenarios as technology advances.The episode wraps up by looking ahead to the next discussion on medical and rehabilitation exoskeletons and inviting listeners to provide feedback and participate.Support the show

How can exos change the way we do repetitive and physically demanding work tasks!? What body types do they try to safeguard, how do they go about it, and what are some examples of where they have been used? This is a casual conversation meant to serve as an introduction to this topic. Support the show

In this episode, Bobby from Exoskeleton Report and Tom from the Wearable Robotics Association delve into the intricacies of the Exoskeleton Report Catalog, a comprehensive database of over 200 commercialized exoskeletons. They discuss how the catalog came to life, initially inspired by a 10-year-old PowerPoint presentation by Tom, and how it has evolved into an invaluable resource for both producers and end-users. Bobby explains the various categories and filters that allow users to explore exoskeletons based on industry applications (medical, military, industrial, and recreational) and technical specifications (powered, passive, hybrid, and more). The catalog offers a bird’s-eye view of the exoskeleton industry while providing tools to narrow down searches based on specific criteria such as body part or function.The episode emphasizes the importance of organizing exoskeletons in ways that make it easier for potential buyers and users to navigate this growing field. Bobby also highlights that the catalog focuses on commercial devices rather than research prototypes, ensuring that users are viewing practical, market-ready solutions. As the conversation unfolds, they discuss the significant progress of exoskeleton technology, its real-world applications, and the global impact it’s having. This episode offers a deep dive into the future of wearable robotics, with an open invitation for listeners to explore the catalog and engage with the exoskeleton community.Support the show

Just what exactly is an exoskeleton anyways?! – reads the title of an article that tries to shed some light on the question all the way back from 2017. (link) In the last seven years, there have been countless changes and breakthroughs in the exo industry, and that article now needs an update. Catch Prof. Tom Sugar, director of the Wearable Robotics Association, and myself as we do a 15-minute deep dive into what is an exoskeleton device and what we would exclude:Getting the word out there that practical, real, exoskeletons exist continues to be a hurdle to the faster proliferation of this technology. There are millions who could benefit from exo tech around the world, but they won’t have access to it without more investments and investigations into this blossoming tech field. But it is not just business. Students, regulators, future entrepreneurs, and working professionals must be exposed to hype-free practical information on what this technology can do for them. Therefore, educating and amplifying the message that we have had a digital revolution and now have the technology for a physical one is essential.Support the show