Exoskeleton’s Caliber – “On the frontlines”
- The global military exoskeleton market is expected to reach USD 234.30 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 16.80% during the forecast period (2021-2026).
- Based on segmentation by type, the Partial Body Exoskeleton segment is expected to show the fastest growth (CAGR of 16.91%) during the forecast period. Nations across the globe are heavily investing in the development of partial exoskeletons that will elevate the basic capabilities of their military personnel.
- By geography, the North America region is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 18.05% during the forecast period.
Rising Market Investments
- The focus on increasing the safety and efficiency of the dismounted soldiers has led to the militaries investing in the exoskeleton technologies.
- Several nations are increasing their investments into the research and development of advanced solider systems to enhance their effectiveness in the battlefields to decrease the risks the troops face.
Key Projects
- A budget proposal submitted by Taiwan's defense ministry shows that the powered exoskeleton suit is part of a four-year USD 5.67 million (NTD 158 million) project running from 2020 and 2023.
- In United States, the two major projects include the Onyx system by Lockheed Martin, which reportedly received USD 680,000 to build the lower-body exoskeleton that straps to a soldier’s feet and legs. The other recipient is Dephy, which built an “Exo-boot” that functions as a high-tech brace for soldiers’ feet and ankles, thereby reducing the strain on the body.
European Countries Blazing Action
- In November 2021, the United Kingdom unveiled its “Future Soldier” modernization plan to expand military presence across the world. The defense ministry announced an additional investment in the military equipment worth USD 11.46 billion during the next decade.
- The German government approved the defense budget of EUR 46.81 billion (USD 54.56 billion) for 2021. The 2020–24 financial plan foresees defense spending increasing to EUR 46.83 billion in 2022 and then falling slightly to EUR 46.13 billion in 2023 and EUR 46.14 billion in 2024. Through the increased budget, the government announced to continue its plans of modernization and digitization of the military equipment of Bundeswehr.
- In April 2021, the Russian government announced its plan to create the country’s first robotic military unit.The Russian military is spending an average of USD 60 billion every year, which is quite high compared to that of the other nations in the region. This is certainly expected to boost the growth of the wearable robotic exoskeletons for the defense industry in the coming years.
Sarco’s Vision Towards Exoskeleton
- In November 2021, Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation announced its plan to begin the manufacturing of the commercial version of its Guardian XO full-body exoskeleton and Guardian XT teleoperated dexterous mobile robotic avatar system at the end of 2022.
- In February 2021, Sarcos Robotics signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Paramount Group to expand its sales of exoskeleton technology for defense applications to government and industrial customers in the Middle East & Africa.
