1 Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Insight Analysis
The global Passive Exoskeleton market will be valued at USD 367.42 million in 2025, with a CAGR of 46.04% from 2025 to 2033.
A passive exoskeleton is a wearable device designed to enhance human physical capabilities without relying on external power sources. Instead, it utilizes materials, springs, or dampers that store and release human motion energy to provide support and reduce fatigue. These devices are particularly useful in scenarios where tasks are physically demanding and repetitive, such as in manufacturing, construction, and rehabilitation. Passive exoskeletons are categorized into three main types: lower extremities, upper extremities, and full-body exoskeletons. Each type is tailored to provide specific support to different parts of the body, enhancing overall physical performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Figure Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Size (M USD) and CAGR (2025-2033)
2 Passive Exoskeleton Market Growth Drivers and Restraints
Downstream industry demand growth: In the field of healthcare, as people’s health awareness improves and rehabilitation needs increase, passive exoskeletons, as tools to assist rehabilitation training, can help patients restore muscle motor function more accurately and effectively, and market demand continues to rise. In the industrial field, there are many high-intensity, repetitive labor scenes. Passive exoskeletons can reduce the burden on workers, improve work efficiency, and reduce the risk of work-related injuries. For example, logistics and manufacturing industries have growing demand for them. In the military field, passive exoskeletons can help soldiers reduce their weight and improve their combat capabilities, which also provides impetus for market growth.
Economic development and improved living standards: The continuous development of the global economy has led to a continuous improvement in people’s living standards, which has not only increased investment in healthcare, industrial production efficiency, etc., but also given people more resources to improve working and living conditions, thereby promoting the development of the passive exoskeleton market.
Technological innovation drive: The continuous progress of material technology, robotics technology and bionics technology has provided strong support for the development of passive exoskeletons. The emergence of new materials such as carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes has enabled exoskeletons to reduce weight while ensuring strength; the integration of robotics and bionics technology has improved the functionality and adaptability of exoskeletons and met the needs of more scenarios.
Fluctuation of raw material prices: The main raw materials of passive exoskeletons include hard materials and soft materials, and their cost accounts for 72.65% of the total cost. The price of raw materials is affected by market supply and demand and the capital market, and fluctuates greatly, which directly affects the cost of products, and then affects the profits of enterprises and the competitiveness of market prices, limiting the further expansion of the market.
Intensified competition: The growth of the market has attracted many companies to enter, resulting in increasingly fierce competition. In order to compete for market share, companies may adopt strategies such as price wars, which can benefit consumers to a certain extent, but will also compress corporate profit margins, affect corporate investment in research and development, and be detrimental to the long-term development of the industry.
Technical bottlenecks: Despite technological advances, there are still some challenges, such as finding materials that are both strong, light and reasonably priced. Materials such as carbon fiber have superior performance but are expensive, and steel has high strength but is too heavy, affecting the efficiency of exoskeletons, which limits the further optimization and popularization of products.
3 Technological Innovations in the Passive Exoskeleton Market
Material innovation: Innovation in material technology is the key to the development of passive exoskeletons. At present, engineers are constantly exploring new materials, such as carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes. The specific strength of carbon fiber exceeds 2400kNm/kg, and the specific strength of carbon nanotubes exceeds 40,000kNm/kg and the tensile strength reaches 62GPa. The application of these materials enables the exoskeleton to achieve lightweight while maintaining high strength, improving product performance.
Multi-technology integration: Passive exoskeletons integrate multiple fields of technology such as material technology, robotics technology, and bionics technology. The exoskeleton structure designed by bionic principles can better fit human movement and provide a more natural auxiliary effect; the application of robotics technology enhances the control accuracy and response speed of the exoskeleton, so that it can play a more precise role in different scenarios.
Corporate mergers and acquisitions: There are frequent mergers and acquisitions of companies in the market, such as the cooperation between Ottobock and suitX. SuitX became part of Ottobock Bionic Exoskeletons. The two parties integrated expertise and products to promote the development of the exoskeleton market and promote its global application. This kind of cooperation helps enterprises integrate resources, realize complementary advantages, improve market competitiveness and promote the centralized development of the industry.
4 Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Size by Type
The market revenue for Lower Extremities passive exoskeletons in 2025 is forecasted to be 65.35 million USD, accounting for 17.79% of the total market share. These exoskeletons are engineered to support and enhance lower – limb functions. They are particularly useful in healthcare for patients recovering from lower – limb injuries or suffering from mobility – impairing conditions like stroke or spinal cord injuries. In industrial settings, they can reduce fatigue and strain on workers who are required to stand, walk, or lift heavy objects for extended periods. For example, in warehouses or construction sites, workers using lower – extremities exoskeletons can perform tasks more efficiently and with a reduced risk of injury.
Upper Extremities passive exoskeletons dominate the market in terms of revenue and share. In 2025, the revenue for this type is expected to be 295.76 million USD, holding a significant 80.50% of the market share. These exoskeletons assist with arm and shoulder movements. In the healthcare field, they play a vital role in rehabilitating patients with upper – limb disabilities, helping them regain strength and dexterity. In the industrial sector, they are used to support workers performing repetitive overhead or precision – based tasks, such as assembly line workers in the electronics or automotive industries. By reducing the strain on muscles and joints, upper – extremities exoskeletons can improve productivity and minimize the occurrence of work – related musculoskeletal disorders.
Full Body passive exoskeletons have a more niche market presence. In 2025, their market revenue is predicted to be 6.31 million USD, corresponding to a market share of 1.72%. These exoskeletons provide comprehensive support to the entire body. They are mainly utilized in high – performance applications, such as military training to enhance soldiers’ endurance and load – carrying capabilities, or in advanced research projects. While they offer extensive functionality, their higher cost and more complex design limit their widespread adoption compared to the more specialized lower – and upper – extremities exoskeletons.
Table Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Size and Share by Type in 2025
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2025 | Market Share 2025 |
|---|---|---|
Lower Extremities | 65.35 | 17.79% |
Upper Extremities | 295.76 | 80.50% |
Full Body | 6.31 | 1.72% |
5 Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Size by Application
In the healthcare sector, passive exoskeletons play a crucial role. In 2025, the market revenue for healthcare – related passive exoskeletons is projected to be 44.15 million USD. These exoskeletons are primarily used for rehabilitation purposes, assisting patients in regaining muscle strength and mobility after injuries or surgeries. They provide support and stability, enabling patients to perform physical activities more effectively during the recovery process. Although the market shares of the healthcare application in 2025 is 12.02%, which is relatively lower compared to some other applications, its significance in improving patient care cannot be underestimated.
The defense sector also makes substantial use of passive exoskeletons. In 2025, the market revenue for this application is expected to be 80.79 million USD, accounting for 21.99% of the total market share. Military personnel can benefit from passive exoskeletons by enhancing their physical capabilities, such as carrying heavier loads and moving more efficiently in combat or training scenarios. This not only improves the soldiers’ performance but also helps in reducing the risk of injuries caused by excessive physical stress.
The industrial application of passive exoskeletons has the largest market share and revenue. In 2025, the market revenue for the industrial sector is forecasted to be 225.57 million USD, constituting 61.39% of the total market. In industries like manufacturing and logistics, where workers often perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks, passive exoskeletons can significantly reduce fatigue and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. They provide additional support to workers’ limbs, enabling them to work more productively and safely for extended periods.
Table Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Size and Share by Application in 2025
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2025 | Market Share 2025 |
|---|---|---|
Healthcare | 44.15 | 12.02% |
Defense | 80.79 | 21.99% |
Industrial | 225.57 | 61.39% |
Others | 16.91 | 4.60% |
6 Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Size by Region
In 2025, North America is projected to generate a market revenue of 148.83 million USD from passive exoskeletons. This region has been at the forefront of the passive exoskeleton market development. The United States, in particular, has a robust ecosystem for research, development, and commercialization. There is significant investment in technological innovation, with many leading companies and research institutions based in the area.
High – end applications in healthcare, such as advanced rehabilitation systems, and in defense, like military – grade exoskeletons for enhanced soldier performance, are driving the market. Moreover, the well – developed industrial base also creates a demand for exoskeletons to improve worker efficiency and safety in manufacturing and logistics sectors.
Europe is expected to have a market revenue of 133.34 million USD in 2025. The region has a long – standing tradition of technological excellence and a strong focus on healthcare and industrial safety. European countries are actively promoting the use of passive exoskeletons in healthcare for patients suffering from neurological disorders or orthopedic injuries. In the industrial domain, strict safety regulations and a drive for productivity improvement have led to the adoption of exoskeletons in industries like automotive manufacturing and warehousing. Additionally, collaborative research efforts across European nations are facilitating the development of innovative exoskeleton technologies, contributing to the growth of the market.
Asia’s market revenue for passive exoskeletons in 2025 is forecasted to be 77.18 million USD. The region is experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing investment in technology. In countries like Japan and South Korea, which have a strong technological base, there is significant research and development in the field of robotics and wearable technologies, including passive exoskeletons. In healthcare, there is a growing demand for exoskeletons to address the aging population’s needs, such as assisting the elderly with mobility.
In industrial sectors, especially in emerging economies like India and Vietnam, as manufacturing expands, there is a rising interest in using exoskeletons to boost worker productivity and reduce workplace injuries. However, compared to North America and Europe, Asia is still in the process of catching up in terms of market maturity and widespread adoption.
Figure Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Size (M USD) by Region in 2025
7 Global Passive Exoskeleton Market Analysis by Major Players
Innophys
- Company Profile: Founded in 2013, Innophys is headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The company focuses on developing and manufacturing wearable robotic solutions to reduce manual labor in various fields such as elderly care, manufacturing, warehousing, and agriculture.
- Business Overview: Innophys’ business revolves around its Muscle Suit product, a passive exoskeleton device that uses compressed air to drive McKibben artificial muscles and provide back support to users. The company has been continuously innovating and expanding its market share globally. Its products have been widely applied in multiple fields, including elderly care, manufacturing, warehousing, and agriculture, and have gained recognition from numerous enterprises and institutions both in Japan and worldwide.
- Product Offered: The core product of Innophys, Muscle Suit, is available in different sizes, including small/medium and medium/large, to meet the needs of users with various heights and body shapes. The product is designed to be compact and easy to wear, offering significant support to reduce the burden on the back muscles when lifting heavy objects, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and injuries caused by prolonged heavy lifting.
Levitate Technologies
- Company Profile: Established in 2013, Levitate Technologies is headquartered in San Diego, USA. The company is dedicated to developing solutions that improve working conditions for workers and enhance the efficiency of companies. Its flagship product, AIRFRAME®, has been successfully applied in major global manufacturers, including BMW, John Deere, and Toyota, to reduce stress and fatigue for skilled workers.
- Business Overview: Levitate Technologies focuses on providing passive exoskeleton products for industries with high-intensity physical labor, such as manufacturing. Its AIRFRAME® product, with its unique mechanical structure design, transfers the weight of the arms from the shoulders, neck, and upper back to the outside of the hips, reducing muscle strain and improving work efficiency while minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. The company continuously optimizes product performance and expands its market influence through cooperation with well-known global enterprises.
- Product Offered: The AIRFRAME® by Levitate Technologies is a passive exoskeleton product designed specifically for repetitive arm motions or prolonged elevated arm work. It automatically adjusts the level of support according to the user’s movements, providing assistance when the arms are raised and gradually releasing support when the arms are lowered. This allows the user to work comfortably and efficiently without being affected by the device while significantly reducing muscle fatigue.
Ottobock Paexo
- Company Profile: Ottobock was founded in 1919, with its headquarters in Duderstadt, Germany, and a branch in Austin, Texas, USA. The company is a global leader in the manufacturing of prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeleton devices, committed to improving people’s quality of life through innovative technologies and products.
- Business Overview: Ottobock Paexo is the passive exoskeleton business unit of Ottobock, specializing in the development and production of exoskeleton products for industrial and medical applications. Its products, leveraging advanced mechanical design and biomechanical principles, provide effective body support to users, reducing the burden of physical labor and preventing occupational diseases. They also play an important role in rehabilitation therapy. With its extensive technical expertise and experience in prosthetics and orthotics, the company continues to expand the application scenarios of exoskeleton products and enhance product performance and user experience.
- Product Offered: The core products of Ottobock Paexo include various passive exoskeleton devices such as Paexo Back. Paexo Back is a device specifically designed to reduce the burden on the back. With its unique mechanical structure and energy storage device, it transfers the weight from the back to the thighs, effectively reducing the strain on the back muscles. The product is designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear, adaptable to different working scenarios and user needs, and is widely used in industries such as logistics, warehousing, and construction, as well as in the field of medical rehabilitation.