In this section
@article{Kormushev:2026:10.1177/29776481261453700,
author = {Kormushev, P and Zou, Y and CHEN, W and Shen, R and Childs, P},
doi = {10.1177/29776481261453700},
journal = {Design for Augmented Humanity},
pages = {173--189},
title = {Exoskeleton technologies and prospects – a review},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/29776481261453700},
volume = {1},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - PDF/EPUBAbstractExoskeletons are wearable mechanical or robotic systems that augment human strength, endurance, and physical performance. They are deployed across rehabilitation, industrial, recreational, and military domains, supporting manual tasks and improving productivity. Classification can be made by actuation level, technological approach, materials, supported movements, and intended applications. Recent developments have produced a wide range of commercial products and research prototypes demonstrating advanced capabilities, yet significant challenges persist in usability, comfort, safety, acceptance, reliability, and cost. Actively actuated systems require sophisticated hardware–software integration, while ergonomic demands have led to soft exoskeletons employing compliant materials. Future advances are expected from innovations in control algorithms, materials, brain–machine interfaces, compact actuators, and high energy-density fast-charging batteries, combined with user-centred, individualized design. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of current exoskeleton technologies, including design considerations, mobility mechanisms, power and energy management, actuation technologies, sensing and perception, and integration and control architectures. We analyse emerging trends, outline unresolved technical and ergonomic challenges, and identify promising directions for the next generation of adaptive, high-performance exoskeleton systems.
AU - Kormushev,P
AU - Zou,Y
AU - CHEN,W
AU - Shen,R
AU - Childs,P
DO - 10.1177/29776481261453700
EP - 189
PY - 2026///
SN - 2977-6481
SP - 173
TI - Exoskeleton technologies and prospects – a review
T2 - Design for Augmented Humanity
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/29776481261453700
VL - 1
ER -