WHAT TYPES OF EXOSKELETONS ARE THERE?
Whether in industry, healthcare, or during rehabilitation following musculoskeletal disorders, physical strain is a daily reality in many professions. It often leads to overexertion, pain, or long-term health limitations.
Exoskeletons offer a promising solution here. As external support systems, they relieve the body during strenuous movements or forced postures and can thus help protect employees’ health and ensure long-term work capacity.
But the market is diverse: active or passive systems, different operating principles, various applications. For companies as well as individuals, the question therefore quickly arises: Which exoskeleton meets our requirements?
CATEGORIES OF EXOSKELETONS
Active exoskeletons
Active exoskeletons are equipped with motors or other power sources that directly assist muscle movement.
Medical exoskeletons
Medical exoskeletons are specifically used in rehabilitation to assist patients with limited mobility. These include walking aids for individuals with spinal cord injuries, orthotic systems for the hand following nerve damage, and full-body exoskeletons.
Passive exoskeletons
Passive exoskeletons operate without motors or external power sources. They store and return kinetic energy, thereby reducing the strain on the muscles. Passive exoskeletons are particularly suitable for reducing physical strain in everyday work.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PASSIVE AND ACTIVE EXOSKELETONS
Exoskeletons can relieve strain on many different parts of the body—from the arms and shoulders to the legs. However, in everyday work situations, it is usually the back that requires the most relief. Whether lifting, carrying, or maintaining awkward postures—this is where the greatest strain occurs. Therefore, this comparison focuses on systems like the BionicBack, which are designed to relieve strain on the back.
Active exoskeletons are powered electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically and are usually battery-operated. The support can therefore be described as force-amplifying with partially automated movements. Due to the built-in technology, active exoskeletons are heavier than passive exoskeletons but are well-suited for repetitive heavy lifting tasks. Freedom of movement is often restricted by joints and rigid rails. Adjusting to the automated movements and the resulting change in body awareness can take some time. Maintenance requirements tend to be high due to the technical components.
Passive exoskeletons operate purely mechanically and without an external power source. The support they provide is described as posture-correcting and -supporting, as well as muscle-relieving. Passive exoskeletons are generally lightweight and compact and are suitable for tasks involving forced postures and everyday lifting. The adjustment period can be kept quite short through training on proper use. Due to the ergonomic movements, muscle soreness may occur initially. Freedom of movement is high thanks to the textile straps and elastomers. Because of the few technical components, maintenance is often simpler and promises a more cost-effective procurement of replacement parts.
Active exoskeletons specifically augment muscle strength, enabling the user to handle heavier loads. Passive exoskeletons, on the other hand, primarily support posture and reduce muscle strain during repetitive movements—such as lifting, carrying, or maintaining forced postures in everyday work. Both types have their specific advantages and should be selected based on the intended application.