Textile-Based Exoskeletons in 2025: Transforming Human Augmentation and Industrial Efficiency. Explore the Next Wave of Soft Robotics and Smart Fabrics Shaping the Future of Assistive Technology.
- Executive Summary: Textile Exoskeletons Market Outlook 2025–2030
- Key Drivers: Demand for Lightweight, Flexible Wearable Support
- Technological Innovations: Smart Fabrics, Sensors, and Actuators
- Leading Companies and Industry Initiatives (e.g., rewalk.com, suitx.com, ieee.org)
- Market Segmentation: Healthcare, Industrial, Military, and Consumer Applications
- Regulatory Landscape and Standards (Referencing ieee.org, asme.org)
- Competitive Analysis: Textile vs. Rigid Exoskeletons
- Market Forecasts: Growth Projections and Regional Trends to 2030
- Challenges: Durability, Power Supply, and User Adoption
- Future Outlook: Integration with AI, IoT, and Next-Gen Materials
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: Textile Exoskeletons Market Outlook 2025–2030
The textile-based exoskeleton sector is poised for significant evolution between 2025 and 2030, driven by advances in smart materials, wearable robotics, and the growing demand for lightweight, ergonomic assistive devices. Unlike traditional rigid exoskeletons, textile-based systems leverage soft, flexible fabrics integrated with sensors, actuators, and control electronics, offering enhanced comfort and adaptability for users in medical, industrial, and military applications.
Key industry players are accelerating development and commercialization efforts. SUITX, now part of Ottobock, has been a pioneer in modular exoskeletons and is actively exploring textile-based solutions to improve user mobility and reduce musculoskeletal strain. Samsung Electronics has invested in wearable robotics, with ongoing research into soft exosuits for rehabilitation and elderly care. Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation is expanding its portfolio to include soft exoskeletons for industrial support, focusing on reducing worker fatigue and injury.
In Europe, Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA is leveraging its expertise in prosthetics and orthotics to develop textile-based exosuits for both clinical and workplace environments. Meanwhile, Myomo, Inc. is advancing soft wearable robotics for upper limb assistance, targeting stroke and neuromuscular patients. These companies are collaborating with textile manufacturers and research institutes to integrate conductive fibers, stretchable sensors, and lightweight actuators into wearable platforms.
Recent pilot deployments and clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of textile exoskeletons to improve mobility, reduce injury risk, and enhance productivity. For example, textile-based exosuits have shown up to 30% reduction in muscle activity during lifting tasks, according to industry data. The adoption of these systems is expected to accelerate as regulatory pathways become clearer and reimbursement models are established, particularly in healthcare and occupational safety sectors.
Looking ahead to 2030, the textile exoskeleton market is anticipated to benefit from further miniaturization of components, advances in battery technology, and the integration of artificial intelligence for adaptive control. Strategic partnerships between robotics firms, textile innovators, and end-user organizations will be crucial for scaling production and expanding application areas. As a result, textile-based exoskeletons are set to become a mainstream solution for enhancing human capability across diverse sectors.
Key Drivers: Demand for Lightweight, Flexible Wearable Support
The development of textile-based exoskeletons is rapidly advancing, driven by the growing demand for lightweight, flexible, and comfortable wearable support systems across multiple sectors. In 2025, the focus is on replacing traditional rigid exoskeletons with soft, fabric-integrated solutions that enhance user mobility and reduce fatigue, particularly in industrial, healthcare, and rehabilitation settings.
A key driver is the need for ergonomic support in physically demanding workplaces. Textile exoskeletons, often referred to as “exosuits,” are designed to assist with repetitive lifting, overhead work, and prolonged standing, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Companies such as SUITX (now part of Ottobock), Ottobock, and Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation are actively developing and commercializing soft exoskeletons that utilize advanced textiles, elastic bands, and sensor-embedded fabrics to provide targeted support while maintaining wearer comfort and freedom of movement.
In the healthcare sector, textile-based exoskeletons are being adopted for rehabilitation and mobility assistance. For example, Myomo specializes in myoelectric orthoses that use soft materials to support arm and hand movement in patients with neuromuscular disorders. Similarly, ReWalk Robotics is exploring soft exosuit technologies to complement its existing rigid exoskeleton portfolio, aiming to offer less intrusive solutions for stroke and spinal cord injury patients.
Material innovation is central to this trend. The integration of high-strength, lightweight fibers such as Dyneema, Kevlar, and advanced elastomers enables the creation of exosuits that are both durable and unobtrusive. Additionally, the incorporation of smart textiles—fabrics embedded with sensors and actuators—allows for real-time monitoring and adaptive assistance, further enhancing user experience and safety.
Looking ahead to the next few years, the outlook for textile-based exoskeletons is promising. Industry collaborations with research institutions are accelerating the pace of innovation, with pilot programs and field trials expanding in logistics, automotive manufacturing, and healthcare. As regulatory frameworks evolve and user acceptance grows, textile exoskeletons are expected to become a standard component of workplace safety and rehabilitation protocols. Companies like Ottobock and SUITX are poised to lead this transition, leveraging their expertise in both wearable robotics and advanced materials.
Technological Innovations: Smart Fabrics, Sensors, and Actuators
The development of textile-based exoskeletons is rapidly advancing, driven by innovations in smart fabrics, integrated sensors, and soft actuators. Unlike traditional rigid exoskeletons, textile-based systems offer enhanced comfort, flexibility, and wearability, making them particularly attractive for applications in healthcare, rehabilitation, and industrial ergonomics. As of 2025, several companies and research institutions are at the forefront of this technological shift, focusing on scalable manufacturing and real-world deployment.
A key enabler of textile exoskeletons is the integration of conductive fibers and stretchable electronics directly into fabrics. These smart textiles can sense motion, pressure, and muscle activity, providing real-time feedback and adaptive support. For example, Smith+Nephew has been exploring wearable rehabilitation devices that incorporate textile-based sensors for monitoring patient movement and progress. Similarly, SUITX (now part of Ottobock) has developed soft exosuits that utilize lightweight, fabric-based structures to assist with mobility and reduce fatigue in industrial workers.
Actuation in textile exoskeletons is another area of rapid innovation. Companies like Sarkari Exoskeleton and Myant are developing systems that use pneumatic, cable-driven, or electroactive polymer actuators embedded within garments. These actuators can deliver assistive forces in sync with the wearer’s movements, enabling applications ranging from gait assistance to upper limb support. Myant, in particular, is notable for its work on integrating biometric sensing and actuation into everyday clothing, aiming to bridge the gap between medical devices and consumer wearables.
The outlook for textile-based exoskeletons in the next few years is promising. Advances in material science are yielding fabrics that are not only conductive and stretchable but also washable and durable, addressing key barriers to widespread adoption. Industry collaborations are accelerating the transition from prototypes to commercial products, with pilot programs underway in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and manufacturing facilities. Regulatory pathways are also becoming clearer, as standards for wearable medical devices evolve to accommodate textile-integrated technologies.
By 2025 and beyond, the convergence of smart fabrics, embedded sensors, and soft actuators is expected to make textile-based exoskeletons more accessible, affordable, and effective. As companies like Ottobock, Smith+Nephew, and Myant continue to innovate, the sector is poised for significant growth, with the potential to transform rehabilitation, workplace safety, and personal mobility.
Leading Companies and Industry Initiatives (e.g., rewalk.com, suitx.com, ieee.org)
The textile-based exoskeleton sector is experiencing rapid innovation, with several leading companies and industry organizations driving advancements in soft, wearable robotics. Unlike traditional rigid exoskeletons, textile-based systems leverage flexible fabrics, smart textiles, and soft actuators to deliver lightweight, comfortable, and unobtrusive support for users in medical, industrial, and consumer applications.
Among the pioneers, SuitX (now part of Ottobock) has been instrumental in developing modular exoskeletons that incorporate textile elements for improved ergonomics and user comfort. Their designs, such as the soft exosuit modules, are being adapted for both industrial and rehabilitation settings, with ongoing research into further textile integration for enhanced flexibility and breathability.
Another key player, ReWalk Robotics, is expanding its portfolio beyond rigid exoskeletons to include soft, textile-based solutions. In 2024, ReWalk announced development efforts focused on soft exosuits for stroke rehabilitation and mobility assistance, leveraging advances in fabric-based sensors and actuators to create more natural movement patterns and reduce device weight.
In the Asia-Pacific region, CYBERDYNE Inc. is exploring textile-based enhancements to its HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) systems. The company is investing in research collaborations to integrate smart textiles and flexible electronics, aiming to improve user comfort and expand applications in eldercare and workplace support.
Industry organizations such as the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society are fostering collaboration and standardization in textile-based exoskeleton development. Through conferences, working groups, and technical committees, IEEE is helping to establish best practices for safety, interoperability, and performance evaluation of soft wearable robots.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the outlook for textile-based exoskeletons is promising. Companies are expected to introduce new models with improved fit, washability, and integration of advanced sensors for real-time biomechanical feedback. Partnerships between exoskeleton manufacturers and textile innovators are likely to accelerate, with a focus on scalable manufacturing and regulatory compliance. As the technology matures, textile-based exoskeletons are poised to become more accessible for a wide range of users, from industrial workers seeking injury prevention to patients requiring daily mobility support.
Market Segmentation: Healthcare, Industrial, Military, and Consumer Applications
Textile-based exoskeletons represent a rapidly evolving segment within the broader exoskeleton market, with significant differentiation across healthcare, industrial, military, and consumer applications. As of 2025, the sector is characterized by a shift from rigid, metallic frameworks to soft, fabric-integrated systems, driven by the demand for lightweight, comfortable, and unobtrusive wearable assistive devices.
In healthcare, textile-based exoskeletons are increasingly adopted for rehabilitation and mobility assistance. Companies such as SUITX (now part of Ottobock), and Myomo are developing soft exosuits that support patients with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments. These devices use advanced textiles and embedded sensors to provide targeted assistance, improving patient compliance and comfort. The integration of textile-based actuators and sensors is expected to further enhance real-time feedback and adaptive support, with clinical trials and pilot programs expanding in North America, Europe, and Asia.
In industrial settings, the focus is on injury prevention and worker endurance. Textile-based exoskeletons are being deployed in logistics, manufacturing, and construction to reduce musculoskeletal strain. Samsung SDI and Ottobock are notable for their development of soft exosuits designed for overhead work and lifting tasks. These systems are valued for their flexibility and ease of integration into existing workwear, and pilot deployments in automotive and warehousing sectors are expected to scale up through 2025 and beyond.
Military applications are also advancing, with textile-based exoskeletons being explored for soldier load reduction and enhanced endurance. Organizations such as Lockheed Martin and Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation are investing in soft exosuit prototypes that can be worn under uniforms, providing support without restricting mobility. These efforts are often in collaboration with defense agencies, aiming for field trials and limited deployments in the next few years.
The consumer segment, while nascent, is gaining traction as textile-based exoskeletons become more affordable and user-friendly. Startups and established firms are targeting applications in sports, fitness, and eldercare, with products designed for posture correction, fatigue reduction, and mobility enhancement. The convergence of smart textiles, miniaturized actuators, and IoT connectivity is expected to drive innovation, with early adopters in Asia and Europe leading the way.
Overall, the outlook for textile-based exoskeletons across all segments is positive, with ongoing R&D, regulatory progress, and growing end-user acceptance. The next few years are likely to see increased commercialization, broader clinical validation, and the emergence of new use cases as textile technologies mature and manufacturing scales up.
Regulatory Landscape and Standards (Referencing ieee.org, asme.org)
The regulatory landscape and standards for textile-based exoskeleton development are rapidly evolving as these wearable assistive devices transition from research prototypes to commercial products. In 2025, the focus is on harmonizing safety, performance, and interoperability requirements to support the growing adoption of soft, textile-integrated exoskeletons in healthcare, industrial, and consumer applications.
A key driver in this space is the work of the IEEE, which has established the IEEE P2863 standard for exoskeletons and exosuits. This standard, under active development, aims to define terminology, classification, and performance metrics for both rigid and soft exoskeletons, including textile-based systems. The IEEE P2863 initiative is particularly relevant for textile exoskeletons, as it addresses unique challenges such as material durability, user comfort, and the integration of sensors and actuators into flexible substrates. The standard is expected to provide a framework for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with safety and efficacy requirements, facilitating regulatory approval and market entry.
In parallel, the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) has been advancing the development of standards for exoskeletons through its V&V 40 subcommittee. ASME’s focus includes verification and validation protocols for wearable robots, with an emphasis on functional safety, biomechanical compatibility, and risk management. Textile-based exoskeletons, which often rely on soft robotics principles and novel textile engineering, benefit from these guidelines as they address the complexities of human-device interaction and the need for reliable, repeatable performance in dynamic environments.
Regulatory agencies in major markets, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), are increasingly referencing these standards in their evaluation of textile-based exoskeletons for medical and rehabilitation use. In 2025, manufacturers are expected to align their product development and testing processes with IEEE and ASME standards to streamline regulatory submissions and ensure user safety.
Looking ahead, the next few years will likely see the formal adoption of these standards, with ongoing updates to address emerging technologies such as smart textiles, embedded sensing, and AI-driven control systems. Collaboration between standards bodies, industry stakeholders, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to ensure that textile-based exoskeletons meet the highest levels of safety and performance as they become more prevalent in both clinical and everyday settings.
Competitive Analysis: Textile vs. Rigid Exoskeletons
The competitive landscape between textile-based and rigid exoskeletons is rapidly evolving as the industry enters 2025. Textile-based exoskeletons, often referred to as “soft exosuits,” are gaining traction due to their lightweight, flexible, and ergonomic designs, which contrast with the bulkier, more restrictive rigid exoskeletons. This shift is driven by advancements in smart textiles, soft robotics, and wearable sensor integration, enabling textile-based systems to deliver targeted assistance while maintaining user comfort and mobility.
Key players in textile-based exoskeleton development include SUITX (now part of Ottobock), which has expanded its product line to include soft exosuits for industrial and medical applications. Samsung Electronics has also entered the field, leveraging its expertise in wearable technology and smart textiles to prototype soft exosuits aimed at both rehabilitation and workplace support. Myomo continues to develop textile-based orthotic devices, focusing on upper limb mobility for individuals with neuromuscular disorders.
In Europe, Sciensano and Ottobock are collaborating on textile-based exoskeletons for healthcare and industrial ergonomics, while SUITX maintains a strong presence in both the US and EU markets. Meanwhile, Honda has continued to refine its “Walking Assist Device,” a soft exosuit designed to support gait training and mobility for elderly users.
Textile-based exoskeletons are increasingly favored in sectors where comfort, adaptability, and ease of use are paramount. For example, in logistics and manufacturing, companies are piloting soft exosuits to reduce worker fatigue and injury risk, with early deployments by Ottobock and SUITX showing promising results in productivity and user satisfaction. In healthcare, textile-based exosuits are being adopted for post-stroke rehabilitation and mobility assistance, with clinical trials underway in collaboration with major hospitals and research institutes.
Looking ahead, the outlook for textile-based exoskeletons is strong. Ongoing research into advanced materials—such as conductive fabrics and shape-memory polymers—promises to further enhance performance and durability. Integration with IoT and AI-driven analytics is expected to enable real-time adaptation to user needs, setting textile-based exoskeletons apart from their rigid counterparts. As regulatory frameworks mature and costs decrease, textile-based solutions are poised to capture a growing share of the exoskeleton market through 2025 and beyond, particularly in applications demanding unobtrusive, user-friendly support.
Market Forecasts: Growth Projections and Regional Trends to 2030
The textile-based exoskeleton sector is poised for significant growth through 2030, driven by advances in smart fabrics, miniaturized actuators, and the increasing demand for lightweight, wearable assistive devices. As of 2025, the market is transitioning from early-stage prototypes to commercial pilot programs, with several key players and regions shaping the trajectory.
In North America, the United States remains a central hub for innovation and commercialization. Companies such as SuitX (now part of Ottobock), which has developed soft exosuits for industrial and medical applications, are expanding their textile-based product lines. ReWalk Robotics is also exploring soft exosuit technologies, building on its experience with rigid exoskeletons. The U.S. Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs continue to fund research and pilot deployments, particularly for rehabilitation and injury prevention, which is expected to accelerate adoption in both healthcare and industrial sectors.
Europe is emerging as a leader in textile-based exoskeleton research, with strong support from the European Union’s Horizon programs. Companies like Samson AG and Ottobock are investing in soft robotics and textile integration, targeting both medical and workplace ergonomics markets. Germany, France, and the Netherlands are notable for their collaborative projects between universities, hospitals, and industry, aiming to bring textile exoskeletons to market by 2027–2028.
Asia-Pacific is expected to see the fastest growth rate, led by Japan and South Korea. Japanese firms such as CYBERDYNE Inc. are expanding their portfolio to include soft, textile-based assistive devices, leveraging the country’s aging population and government support for eldercare robotics. South Korea’s Hyundai Technology and other conglomerates are investing in wearable robotics for both industrial and healthcare applications, with pilot programs underway in manufacturing and logistics.
By 2030, the global textile-based exoskeleton market is projected to experience double-digit annual growth, with healthcare, eldercare, and industrial ergonomics as primary drivers. The convergence of smart textiles, flexible sensors, and AI-powered control systems is expected to lower costs and improve user comfort, making these devices more accessible. Regional trends suggest that while North America and Europe will lead in R&D and early adoption, Asia-Pacific will drive mass-market deployment, particularly in eldercare and labor-intensive industries.
Challenges: Durability, Power Supply, and User Adoption
Textile-based exoskeletons represent a promising frontier in wearable robotics, offering lightweight, flexible alternatives to traditional rigid exosuits. However, as the sector advances into 2025, several critical challenges remain—particularly in the areas of durability, power supply, and user adoption.
Durability is a primary concern for textile-based exoskeletons, as these devices must withstand repeated mechanical stresses, environmental exposure, and frequent laundering. Unlike rigid exoskeletons, textile-based systems rely on advanced fabrics, conductive threads, and integrated sensors, all of which are susceptible to wear and tear. Companies such as SUITX (now part of Ottobock), Samsung Electronics, and Myomo are actively developing robust textile composites and encapsulation techniques to enhance longevity. For example, SUITX has focused on modular textile components that can be easily replaced or upgraded, while Samsung Electronics is exploring washable, stretchable electronics for integration into smart garments. Despite these advances, ensuring consistent performance over months or years of daily use remains a significant technical hurdle.
Power supply is another persistent challenge. Textile-based exoskeletons often require lightweight, flexible power sources to drive actuators and sensors without compromising comfort or mobility. Current solutions typically rely on lithium-ion batteries, but these add bulk and require frequent recharging. Research into flexible batteries and energy harvesting technologies is ongoing, with companies like Samsung Electronics and Ottobock investing in next-generation power systems. However, as of 2025, commercially viable textile-integrated power solutions remain limited, and most products still depend on external battery packs.
User adoption is influenced by factors such as comfort, ease of use, and perceived benefit. Textile-based exoskeletons are generally more comfortable and less stigmatizing than rigid alternatives, but challenges persist in achieving a universal fit and intuitive controls. Companies like Myomo and Ottobock are working closely with end-users to refine ergonomics and user interfaces. Additionally, regulatory approval and reimbursement pathways, especially in healthcare and workplace safety, will play a crucial role in broader adoption. As of 2025, pilot programs in rehabilitation and industrial settings are expanding, but widespread deployment will depend on further improvements in reliability, affordability, and demonstrable outcomes.
Looking ahead, the textile-based exoskeleton sector is expected to make incremental progress on these challenges over the next few years. Continued collaboration between material scientists, engineers, and end-users will be essential to realize the full potential of these innovative wearable systems.
Future Outlook: Integration with AI, IoT, and Next-Gen Materials
The future of textile-based exoskeleton development is poised for significant transformation as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and next-generation materials converge to redefine wearable assistive technologies. As of 2025, the sector is witnessing rapid advancements in smart textiles, sensor integration, and adaptive control systems, with a strong focus on enhancing user comfort, functionality, and real-time responsiveness.
AI-driven algorithms are increasingly being embedded into textile exoskeletons to enable adaptive assistance tailored to individual user needs. These systems leverage machine learning to interpret biomechanical data from integrated sensors, allowing for dynamic adjustment of support levels during various activities. Companies such as SUITX (now part of Ottobock) and Samsung have demonstrated prototypes and commercial products that utilize AI for gait analysis and movement prediction, aiming to reduce fatigue and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
IoT connectivity is another critical trend, enabling textile exoskeletons to communicate with external devices and cloud platforms for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and performance optimization. This connectivity supports data-driven healthcare and industrial safety applications, where real-time feedback can inform clinicians or supervisors about user status and device performance. Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation and CYBERDYNE Inc. are actively exploring IoT-enabled exoskeletons, with ongoing projects aimed at integrating wireless communication modules and cloud-based analytics.
Material innovation remains at the core of textile-based exoskeleton evolution. The adoption of advanced fibers—such as conductive yarns, shape-memory alloys, and electroactive polymers—is enabling the creation of lightweight, flexible, and durable exosuits. Myant Inc. is a notable player, developing textile interfaces with embedded sensors and actuators for health and performance monitoring. Meanwhile, SoftWear Automation is advancing automated manufacturing techniques for smart textiles, which is expected to accelerate the scalability and affordability of exoskeleton garments.
Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to bring further convergence of AI, IoT, and material science, resulting in exoskeletons that are not only more effective but also seamlessly integrated into daily life. Industry collaborations, regulatory progress, and user-centered design will be pivotal in driving adoption across healthcare, industrial, and consumer markets. As textile-based exoskeletons become increasingly intelligent and connected, they are set to play a transformative role in mobility assistance, injury prevention, and human augmentation.
Sources & References
- SUITX
- Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation
- Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA
- ReWalk Robotics
- Myant
- CYBERDYNE Inc.
- IEEE
- Lockheed Martin
- ASME
- Sciensano
- Samson AG
- Hyundai Technology
- SoftWear Automation
