What types of exoskeletons are available?

Author: Sharon Jang | Reviewer: Riley Louie | Published: 7 April 2021 | Updated: ~

There are many types of exoskeletons that are currently available for use for individuals with SCI. While some exoskeletons have only been cleared for rehabilitation purposes, others have separate models for personal or home use. Below we discuss the general differences between rehabilitation and personal exoskeletons.

The Ekso (left), the ReWalk (middle), and the REX (right) exoskeletons.4-6

Exoskeletons used for rehabilitation are generally heavier than personal exoskeletons and are often controlled by a computer and battery located in a backpack worn by the user. However, rehabilitation exoskeletons often come with more customizable abilities. For example, the Ekso and the ReWalk allow the clinician to modify the amount of power (i.e., support from the robot) for each leg, depending on the ability of the user. Similarly, the therapy version of the Indego allows the clinician to control how much weight is supported by the exoskeleton and how much movement assistance is provided by the exoskeleton. Moreover, how steps are triggered can be programmed in different ways: e.g., by the press of a button, by shifting your body weight, or by initiating a step using your own muscles. These bulkier clinical models are usually one-size-fits-all, allowing clinicians to adjust the dimensions of the device (i.e., leg length, hip width, etc.) to treat their clients of varying body sizes.

The REX differs from all of the aforementioned exoskeletons in that it is controlled with a joystick and is able to self-balance, making it essentially “hands-free”. This feature allows individuals to perform exercises while standing, including squats, lunges, and upper body exercises using both hands.

The Indego (left) and the ReWalk (right).

Exoskeletons that have been designed for home use are generally lighter and provide limited support to the torso. Personal exoskeletons have a battery pack that is connected to the waist, but otherwise operates similarly to the rehabilitation models in that a weight shift initiates a step. Furthermore, some exoskeleton companies have developed apps that accompany the exoskeleton, allowing the user to independently access performance data. These personal exoskeletons are usually custom-developed to fit the user’s unique body dimensions.