Empowering Mobility: The Intersection of Exoskeleton Technology and Disabilities

By Joshua Lee

Introduction 

In the modern era of technology, wearable robotic technological advancements are constantly being made to improve the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairment. Mobility impairment disorders limit a person’s ability to move freely due to either physical or neurological impairments. Common examples include arthritis, cerebral palsy, traumatic injuries, or age related changes [6]. While current assistive devices include canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, these devices are significantly limited in support and weight bearing abilities [6]. Exoskeletons aim to improve mobility support, terrain flexibility, and promote natural upright gait to ultimately improve independence for the user. 

What Are Exoskeletons? 

Exoskeleton technologies are wearable devices that augment human movement which are used for assistive and rehabilitative purposes for patients with mobility issues or other neurological conditions. They work to support the user’s muscles and joints, easing the load that they experience, leading to decreased pain and fatigue. For individuals with motor impairments, such as those caused by cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries, exoskeletons help facilitate walking, standing, and maintaining balance [1]. By enabling an upright posture and weight bearing movement, exoskeletons provide physical mobility and improvements in joint alignment, blood circulation, and bone density, which are compromised in sedentary individuals [2]. 

Exoskeletons can be categorized into passive and active systems, designed to assist the body in different ways. Passive exoskeletons use mechanical components such as springs, dampeners, or elastic materials to support movement without motors or electrical power. Passive exoskeletons are typically lightweight and are used to reduce strain or improve endurance, useful for industrial or workplace settings [5]. In contrast, active exoskeletons are equipped with electric motors or actuators and are designed to actively generate movement. Active exoskeletons are more typically used in medical and rehabilitation settings, where individuals may lack the strength or control to move independently [5]. Among active exoskeletons further differentiation includes lower limb, upper limb, and full body exoskeletons. Lower limb exoskeletons support walking and standing, while upper limb exoskeletons assist arm and upper body movement, and full body exoskeletons provide support across all major joints. Some exoskeletons are rigid, providing strong structural support, while others include soft exosuits made from textiles and flexible materials for more natural movement and improved comfort. The selection of the exoskeleton type depends on the user’s needs, environment, and the level of assistance required. 

Applications of Exoskeletons 

Exoskeletons have emerged as reliable tools in both clinical and everyday settings, particularly for individuals with disabilities that affect mobility, muscle coordination, and posture. Traditionally, therapy for mobility impairments involved manual support from therapists to guide movement, which was labor intensive and difficult to standardize [1][2]. The revolutionary use of exoskeletons offers therapists a consistent and repeatable way to assist movement patterns. In clinical settings, active exoskeletons are frequently used for physical rehabilitation programs. Therapists use exoskeletons to guide patients through repetitive movement patterns, providing power to promote correct movement patterns and improve the mind-muscle connection. Many devices are programmable, allowing clinicians to adjust the level of support based on the patient's ability, bringing a more personalized approach to therapy [2]. Additionally, some clinical studies have shown that individuals who undergo exoskeleton therapy experience improvements in gait symmetry, walking speed, and endurance, which demonstrate the potential for exoskeleton technologies to accelerate functional recovery and further enhance a patient’s quality of life [2]. 

Outside of hospitals and clinics, exoskeletons are being adapted for home and community use. This includes wearable devices that help children participate in school activities, play with peers, or perform everyday tasks. These applications promote not just physical health, but also emotional well being, social inclusion, and a sense of independence. As research continues and the technology advances, exoskeletons are becoming more compact, affordable, and user-friendly, making them increasingly accessible. 

Current Challenges 

While exoskeleton technologies show great promise in clinical and community environments, their widespread use still faces several important challenges. Powered exoskeletons are highly expensive, ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, making them inaccessible to many families and underfunded clinics [5]. Insurance coverage is limited and inconsistent, leaving many individuals without financial support for these devices. Additionally, the design and fit of exoskeletons are not a “one size fits all” design, making it difficult to properly size and customize the expensive devices for children or varying body proportions between adults [5]. Moreover, proper operation requires extensive training for users and caregivers, limiting the feasibility of using exoskeletons in various settings. Another key obstacle is the limited number of clinical studies of how the use of exoskeletons affect diverse users. Addressing these challenges is vital to making exoskeleton technology more inclusive, effective, and accessible for the populations who can benefit from it most [3][5]. 

Future Directions 

The future of exoskeleton technology is focused on overcoming current limitations through innovation in design and affordability. Researchers are actively working to make exoskeletons more accessible by reducing manufacturing costs and developing lightweight components [5]. 

A key area of progress is the integration of artificial intelligence, which is revolutionizing how exoskeletons interact with users. AI algorithms enable devices to learn from a user’s movement patterns and adjust assistance in real time, providing more natural support [4]. 

Furthermore, clinical research is expanding to validate efficacy and usability across a broader range of movement limiting disabilities. Ultimately, the convergence of AI, adaptable design, and inclusive research is paving the way for exoskeletons to become a practical tool that promotes independence, mobility, and participation in life for individuals with mobility limiting disabilities. 

References: 

[1] Arrienda, D. (2020, October 16). Exoskeleton Suit for the Disabled: Who Qualifies? Retrieved from Ekso Bionics website: 

https://eksobionics.com/exoskeleton-suit-for-the-disabled-who-qualifies/ 

[2] Coser, O., Tamantini, C., Soda, P., & Zollo, L. (2024). AI-based methodologies for exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation of the lower limb: a review. Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2024.1341580 

[3] Forte, G., Leemhuis, E., Favieri, F., Casagrande, M., Giannini, A. M., De Gennaro, L., & Pazzaglia, M. (2022). Exoskeletons for Mobility after Spinal Cord Injury: A Personalized

Embodied Approach. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(3), 380. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12030380 

[4] Lynde-Smith, J. (2024, April 11). Custom Fit: Creating AI-Powered Exoskeletons for Individual Mobility Needs | Carleton Newsroom. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from Carleton Newsroom website: https://newsroom.carleton.ca/story/building-ai-exoskeletons/ 

[5] O’Connor, S. (2021). Exoskeletons in Nursing and Healthcare: A Bionic Future. Clinical Nursing Research, 30(8), 1123–1126. https://doi.org/10.1177/10547738211038365 [6] Sherrell, Z. (2024, June 12). Mobility disabilities list. Retrieved from Medicalnewstoday.com website https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mobility-disabilities-list#amputation