Vicon
Vicon develops and manufactures optical motion capture systems that provide the ‘gold standard’ in human movement data. Their technology is used extensively in the exoskeleton industry to validate device performance, evaluate gait biomechanics, and develop control algorithms. They provide enabling technology for the precise measurement of human-robot interaction in research and clinical settings.
Manus
Manus develops advanced wearable sensing gloves used for finger tracking and gesture control. Their technology is utilized in virtual reality, motion capture, and the control of robotic systems and exoskeletons. They provide ‘enabling technology’ for the wearable robotics industry, allowing for precise hand kinematics data and intent-based interaction with robotic manipulators.
Maxon
Maxon is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-precision motors, gearheads, and motor control systems. Their drive systems are central to the development of many leading exoskeletons and prosthetics, offering high efficiency and power-to-weight ratios. They provide enabling technology through a dedicated medical robotics division focusing on the specific requirements of wearable systems.
Harmonic Drive
Harmonic Drive develops and manufactures high-precision gear systems and servo actuators. Their strain wave gears (often called ‘Harmonic Drives’) are an industry standard for robotic joint actuation due to their high torque density and zero-backlash characteristics. They provide enabling technology for high-end medical and industrial exoskeletons where precise positioning and weight reduction are critical.
Xsens
Xsens develops inertial sensor modules and motion capture systems used for precise movement tracking in research, entertainment, and health. Their technology is a key enabling tool for the exoskeleton industry, providing the high-fidelity kinematics data required for biomechanical analysis and the control of active wearable robotic systems.
Novanta
Novanta, through its Celera Motion business unit, provides high-precision motion control components. Their product line includes encoders, servo drives, and motors that are critical ‘enabling technologies’ for the wearable robotics industry. They specialize in high-torque, compact motion solutions for medical exoskeletons and industrial human-augmentation systems.
FAULHABER
FAULHABER specializes in the development and manufacture of high-precision miniature motors and drive systems. Their BLDC motors, stepper motors, and precision gearheads are key enabling technologies for compact wearable robotic systems, such as robotic gloves and orthotic joints. They provide critical components for manufacturers requiring high power density in extremely small packages.
Bitbrain
Bitbrain develops wearable neurotechnology systems intended for research and real-world brain-computer interaction (BCI). Their portfolio includes advanced EEG headsets that are used in the development of intent-based exoskeleton control and cognitive monitoring. They provide enabling technology for the wearable robotics industry by facilitating brain-to-machine communication for motor recovery and human augmentation.
Emotiv
Emotiv develops accessible wearable neurotechnology systems. Their EEG headsets, such as the EPOC X and Insight, allow for the detection of brain activity for gesture control, mental state monitoring, and BCI research. The technology is often used by developers to create neural control interfaces for exoskeletons and other assistive robotic devices.
G.TEC medical engineering
g.tec medical engineering develops high-end brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and neuro-monitoring systems. Their recoveriX system is a specialized BCI solution for stroke rehabilitation that combines mental imagination with electrical stimulation and visual feedback. They provide enabling technology for the control and validation of wearable robotics and neuro-prosthetics in research and clinical medicine.