Rise Robotics
Rise Robotics develops the ‘Rise Cylinder’, a high-efficiency linear actuator designed to replace hydraulics in heavy-duty applications. Their technology is used to power industrial-grade exoskeletons and heavy machinery, providing significant energy savings and high power-to-weight ratios. The company focuses on the ‘Enabling Technology’ segment of the exoskeleton market.
Skeletonics
Skeletonics designs and builds giant mechanical suits that amplify the wearer’s movements through a complex link mechanism. These systems are non-powered (fully mechanical) and are used primarily for entertainment, events, and performance art. The company focuses on the aesthetic and expressive potential of human-machine interaction.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has a historical interest in wearable robotics, particularly for high-stress and hazardous environments. They developed a ‘Power Assist Suit’ (PAS) exhibited in the mid-2010s, intended for use in nuclear disaster recovery operations. While MHI remains a major industrial force, their standalone commercial exoskeleton development is reported as historical or project-based research.
RoboCT
RoboCT is a technology company focusing on rehabilitation robotics and industrial wearable support. Their product line includes medical exoskeletons for gait assistance, as well as omnidirectional mobile platforms and industrial ‘power suites’. They focus on integrating sensor fusion and advanced motion control to improve user experience and clinical outcomes.
Motek
Motek (Motek Medical) develops high-end virtual reality and robotic systems for research and clinical rehabilitation. Their products, such as the C-Mill (robotic treadmill for balance and gait) and CAREN (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment), provide integrated platforms for complex movement assessment and therapy. They focus on real-world simulation to enhance neuro-rehabilitation.
Human in Motion Robotics
Human in Motion Robotics develops the XoMotion, a powered lower-limb exoskeleton for people with mobility disabilities. The device features advanced degrees of freedom and is designed to provide natural gait and balance support for clinical and personal use. The company emphasizes its unique joint mechanism and autonomous balance control.
Aretech
Aretech produces the ZeroG system, a robotic body-weight support system that tracks a patient along an overhead track. It is designed to assist patients in walking, balance, and activities of daily living while providing fall protection. While not a wearable exoskeleton in the traditional sense, it is a primary robotic mobility platform for clinical rehabilitation.
Palladyne AI
Palladyne AI, formerly Sarcos Technology and Robotics, is now focused on AI software for robotics. The company is historically important to the exoskeleton sector because Sarcos developed the Guardian XO full-body powered industrial exoskeleton. The Guardian XO hardware should be treated as a legacy or paused exoskeleton program unless refreshed evidence confirms active commercialization.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin develops exoskeleton systems for military and heavy industrial use. Key projects include ONYX, a powered lower-limb exoskeleton for soldier endurance, and FORTIS, a passive system for managing heavy tool weight in industrial environments. These systems are part of broader human augmentation research.
Panasonic
Panasonic conducts corporate research into ‘power assist’ technologies for logistics and healthcare. While specialized commercial exoskeleton activities were historically concentrated in its subsidiary ATOUN, the parent company maintains R&D in fabric actuators and sensor-based human assistance.