#222 - The Augmented Worker: Wearable Robotics

Labor shortages and an aging workforce are currently on the rise in many industries, and businesses are increasingly exploring adding automation and robotization. But instead of outright replacing humans with robots, another related practice is dedicated to augmenting human capabilities with technology.  This area of wearable robotics further accelerates the coexistence of humans and machines. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market for wearable robotics is expected to reach $8.2 billion by 2028, with increasing adoption in the automotive and other industries. These products, also frequently known as exoskeletons, are designed to prevent workers’ musculoskeletal disorders and increase their productivity. There are various types of wearable robotics, including Tool Handling Exoskeletons to support heavy tools handling, Wearable Chairs to support people who work in the same posture for a long time, Back Support to reduce the burden on the back, Powered Gloves to support grip force, and Full-body Powered Suit to reduce the load on the entire body. These products are also being used in the medical, healthcare, and consumer fields. In this report, Webrain introduces the current state of wearable robotics, their applications, the future outlook, and discusses the various challenges that need to be overcome to achieve wider adoption.