Everyday exoskeletons move from clinics to consumer wearables

Biomechanical engineer Daniel Ferris once predicted that by the mid-2020s people would stroll the streets in robotic exoskeletons; his forecast now seems within reach as researchers shift focus from full-function replacement to partial assistance. Modern devices aim to ease the load on aging knees or boost one outlet performance, with examples ranging from Nike’s Project Amplify powered shoe to rental units for tourists on China’s Great Wall.

Technical progress includes AI systems that estimate hip motion in real time and task-agnostic controllers that supply only a portion of the required joint force, reducing power needs and preserving user control. Pilot studies by Robert Gregg’s team show 25-30% force assistance can lessen pain during everyday tasks, while the University of Heidelberg’s WalkON system cut metabolic cost by up to 10% for older walkers. Yet challenges remain: devices must become lighter, cheaper, easier to fit, and designers must ensure long-term use does not cause muscle weakening. Success could help societies facing rapidly aging populations, such as Japan, China and Italy, where the number of people over 60 is projected to hit 2.1 billion by 2050.