Advancements and Market Trends in U.S. Exoskeleton and Wearable Robotics Technology

The latest developments in exoskeleton and wearable robotics technology highlight advancements in industrial ergonomics, healthcare rehabilitation, and occupational safety. Fraunhofer IPA's recent publication from WearRAcon Europe 2025 details innovations such as event-driven intelligence for adaptive exoskeletons, with applications in collaborative industrial tasks improving worker safety and efficiency. The report underscores common challenges in occupational exoskeleton adoption, including lack of user input and inadequate monitoring, which can hinder effective implementation. In the U.S. market, Lifeward has expanded reimbursement coverage for the ReWalk 7 robotic exoskeleton, with prior authorization approval from Humana Medicare Advantage plans, joining UnitedHealthcare in enabling access to nearly half of Medicare Advantage enrollees nationally. This reimbursement development signals growing payer recognition of exoskeleton technology in personal mobility and rehabilitation. Emerging applications include motion-assistive systems for cancer rehabilitation, suggesting expanding clinical use cases beyond traditional mobility support. Ekso Bionics has secured exclusive U.S. distribution rights for MediTouch's BalanceTutor™ rehabilitation system, further diversifying rehabilitative technologies available in the market. Industrial adoption continues to evolve, with logistics giant DHL reporting improvements in exoskeleton performance, wearability, and cost-efficiency, aiming to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among workers. The distinct needs of first responders have gained attention, particularly following incidents highlighting the necessity for specialized exoskeleton applications in emergency and firefighting operations. Investment activity is robust, exemplified by Hypershell's recent $70 million funding round which brings its valuation close to $400 million. This funding supports development of stair-climbing exoskeletons aimed at first responder and industrial use cases. Consumer accessibility advances with products like the VIGX Kenqing powered hip exoskeleton now available on mainstream platforms such as Walmart. Regulatory progress includes Tyromotion's suite of robotic rehabilitation devices achieving EU Class IIa medical device certification under the Medical Device Regulation, reflecting compliance with stringent safety and performance standards. Integrations of wireless sensors enhance exoskeleton functionality for applications such as proximity detection and motion capture, indicating technological convergence toward more intelligent wearable robotics.