Exoskeletons in healthcare: Enabling people with disabilities to walk again

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 26, 2022

Insight summary

The increasing number of people with physical disabilities is propelling growth in an industry that uses exoskeleton technology to improve mobility and quality of life. Despite initial limitations, advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and materials science are making exoskeletons more lightweight, affordable, and adaptable. The technology not only promotes physical activity and mitigates health issues but also carries significant societal implications, including improved access to job opportunities, reduced healthcare costs, and changes in labor dynamics.

Healthcare exoskeleton context

With almost 61 million people in the US suffering from some form of physical disability––limited movement and other mobility difficulties are not uncommon. Conditions that result in limited mobility can lead to decreased strength, endurance, and ability, which vary depending on the individual and their injury. Given this context, an emerging industry involving the use of exoskeletons is booming, particularly for people with disabilities. 

Exoskeletons, which have long received attention in military-focused research, are now gaining traction in the civilian world, particularly among individuals with mobility impairments. These wearable robots are programmable devices that mechanically interact with the wearer's body and, in addition to improving physical movements, endurance and strength, empower the user by returning freedom of choice and dignity.

Despite the immense potential benefits, market adoption of exoskeletons has been limited due to variables such as equipment weight and ineffective predictions of the wearer's movements when approaching an obstacle or walking on uneven ground. However, recent advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials science have the potential to make exoskeletons more affordable, lightweight, compact, and effective in different environments. 

In 2019, 6,000 suits were sold globally, the majority of which were for rehabilitation purposes. However, by 2025, projections suggest that there will be around 2.6 million exoskeletons on the market, with an anticipated market value of USD $1.8 billion.

Disruptive impact

Physical inactivity is often a significant problem experienced by individuals who use wheelchairs because this can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and increased sitting time. Compared to other locomotor training models and the mobility provided by wheelchairs, robotic exoskeletons may offer an enhanced degree of independence for users while also promoting physical activity levels.

Since prolonged sitting has been related to chronic health issues, including an increased risk of mortality from cancer and cardiovascular disease, there is an urgent need for people with physical disabilities to increase their levels of physical activity. Robotic exoskeletons may minimize sitting time while improving standing and walking time, potentially alleviating certain health problems, as well as improving social interactions with family and friends. An increase in activity can also assist in the fight against obesity among people with disabilities. 

 

Digestive issues are also common in those with mobility issues (especially those suffering from spinal cord injuries) and can lead to chronic constipation and incontinence. However, researchers report that robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking can improve digestion, bowel, and bladder function in people living with such injuries. This benefit alone may significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from impaired mobility.

Implications of exoskeleton technology

Wider implications of exoskeletons may include:

• A reduction in healthcare costs.


• Lower mortality and morbidity rates among people with physical disabilities.


• Improved access to job opportunities for those with mobility issues.


• Expansion of exoskeleton technology into other labor-intensive fields (like construction and manufacturing) to reduce injury rates, assist in lifting and moving heavy objects, and provide a strong support system for handling large machines and objects.


• An increased demand for skilled technicians and engineers who can maintain and repair these devices, while potentially reducing the need for manual laborers.


• New legislation and regulations to ensure the safe and ethical use of these devices.


• The technology extending the working age of individuals, affecting population dynamics and potentially easing the burden on social security systems.


• A surge in energy consumption requiring the development of more efficient power sources.

Questions to consider

• Do you think that this technology has the potential to become a ubiquitous feature among those without disabilities?


• While encouraging the responsible use of exoskeleton technology, how can the misuse of exoskeletons by criminals be prevented?