Global Under-Arm Exoskeletons Market Overview

Under-arm exoskeletons are wearable assistive systems engineered to reduce shoulder load, enhance arm endurance, and support upper-body musculoskeletal tasks across industrial, healthcare, military, and rehabilitation environments. These devices—worn around the torso and extending to the upper arms—redirect arm weight, stabilize shoulder joints, and minimize fatigue during repetitive overhead or forward-reach activities.

Unlike full-body exoskeletons, under-arm exosuits focus exclusively on the shoulder-arm complex, making them lighter, more comfortable, and cost-effective for organizations. Modern systems employ passive spring mechanics, cable-driven assistance, pneumatic lifting modules, or powered micro-actuators to deliver precise torque, elevating worker stamina and reducing injury rates.

Applications span manufacturing assembly lines, logistics, warehousing, construction, automotive production lines, physiotherapy rehabilitation, surgical fatigue reduction, and elderly assistance. As workplace injuries remain extremely costly for employers, and global industries prioritize ergonomics, demand for upper-arm exosuits is increasing steadily.

Market Size and Forecast

Under-arm exoskeletons are expected to surpass USD 1.9 billion by 2031, driven by occupational safety regulations, ergonomic modernization, and the shift toward human-augmentation systems.

Primary Market Drivers

1. Rising workplace shoulder injuries

Shoulder and upper-arm musculoskeletal disorders are among the highest causes of lost workdays globally.

2. Industrial automation & human augmentation trends

Companies are integrating exoskeletons to enhance productivity without relying solely on heavy automation equipment.

3. Cost savings & reduction in compensation claims

A single shoulder injury can exceed USD 30,000-80,000 in workers’ compensation, making prevention technologies attractive.

4. Lightweight wearable engineering

Advances in carbon composites, textile-based exofabrics, and passive mechanical assistance make exosuits more practical.

5. Expansion into healthcare & rehabilitation

Under-arm exoskeletons help patients rebuild shoulder mobility following injuries, surgeries, or neurological conditions.

Market Challenges

• Device comfort & heat build-up during prolonged use
• Training requirements for safe adoption
• Cost barriers for small and mid-size businesses
• Limited long-term studies on continuous daily use
• User acceptance varies across job roles and cultures

Competitive Landscape

Detailed Market Segmentation

By Assistance Type

• Passive Mechanical Under-Arm Exosuits - 49%
• Powered Under-Arm Exoskeletons - 33%
• Hybrid Pneumatic/Electric Assist Systems - 18%

By Application

• Industrial Assembly & Manufacturing - 42%
• Logistics & Warehousing - 23%
• Healthcare Rehabilitation - 19%
• Construction & Trades - 12%
• Military & Defense - 4%

By End User

• Manufacturing Enterprises - 36%
• Hospitals & Rehab Centers - 24%
• Logistics Companies - 20%
• Construction Firms - 12%
• Government & Defense - 8%

Regional Analysis

• North America (37%) — High focus on workplace safety and ergonomic innovation.
• Europe (30%) — Strong adoption due to regulatory pressure & industrial modernization.
• Asia-Pacific (25%) — Rising industrialization and workforce injury prevention initiatives.
• Latin America & MEA (8%) — Gradual uptake, driven by automotive & manufacturing sectors.

Technology & Innovation Trends

• Adaptive torque assistance using real-time movement sensing
• Compressible textile frameworks improving airflow & comfort
• Actuator miniaturization enabling ultra-light powered exosuits
• AI-based motion analysis for personalized shoulder support
• Modular under-arm brace attachments allowing customization by job role

Regulatory Environment

• Workplace ergonomics regulations encouraging adoption
• Safety standards requiring:
  • load-reduction testing
  • joint-stress validation
  • user comfort benchmarking
• Rehabilitation devices often require Class I medical device compliance

Recent Developments (2023-2025)

• Launch of exosuits specifically for overhead work
• Hospitals adopting under-arm exoskeletons for post-surgery recovery
• Logistics companies piloting powered exo-assists for order-picking teams
• Introduction of school-friendly exosuits for children with arm-mobility limitations
• Improved battery systems for powered versions

Strategic Outlook

• Passive exosuits will dominate due to affordability
• Powered systems will gain traction in heavy-duty industrial settings
• Rehabilitation demand will accelerate in pediatric & geriatric segments
• AI-integrated exosuits will redefine long-term ergonomics
• APAC will become a major production and adoption hub

Methodology

Research conducted through primary interviews with exoskeleton engineers, ergonomists, rehabilitation specialists, and industrial safety experts across 17 countries.