Military Exoskeleton Market

Military Exoskeleton Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

As per a newly published research report by Fact.MR, the global military exoskeleton market stands at US$ 1.1 billion in 2023. The industry is projected to expand rapidly at a high-value CAGR of 14.5% and reach US$ 4.27 billion by 2033. Rising global arms trade, growing incidence of stroke, and increasing adoption of medical devices across numerous industries, including military, construction, defense, and automobiles, are driving opportunities for manufacturers of military exoskeletons.

Technological advancements taking place in modern warfare are one of the prominent factors boosting demand for military exoskeletons. A lot of efforts are made to increase the effectiveness of military exoskeletons with the incorporation of new technologies.

Military exoskeletons provide soldiers with some additional power to move quickly and lift heavy loads on the battlefield. These products are developed owing to the evolving nature of biological weapons and warfare that threaten human health. Armies around the world are investing at a significant rate in military exoskeletons to avoid any sort of direct contact with different biological elements, including gases.

• Military exoskeletons for the lower body accounted for 42.8% of overall sales in 2022.
• Sales of partial-body exoskeletons are projected to rise at a CAGR of 17% from 2023 to 2033.

Rising need for quick coordination among soldiers during combat is predicted to lead to strong requirements for sophisticated communication systems. Furthermore, increased demand for improved equipment and aids in the defense sector is predicted to create new opportunities for manufacturers of military ecosuits over the next ten years. Personnel are equipped with protective gear, including exoskeletons and some other similar wearables to increase their work efficiency.

Governments in several countries across the globe are showing resilience to strengthen their architecture and defense sectors. High cost associated with the development as well as the implementation of wearable robotics, including military exoskeletons, is predicted to create barriers against market expansion. Higher R&D expenditures are necessary for the development of complex exoskeleton technology as they are not available readily.

Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, in its newly published research report, mentions in detail about pivotal dynamics of the military exoskeleton market. Readers can easily access the report to deep dive into market aspects that include growth-driving factors, country-level analyses, new launches, limitations, etc.

Report Attributes	Details
Military Exoskeleton Market Size (2023E)	US$ 1.1 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2033F)	US$ 4.27 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	14.5% CAGR
Market Share of Lower Body Exoskeletons (2022)	42.8%
Passive Military Exoskeleton Segment Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	16.4% CAGR
Partial Body Exoskeletons Segment Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	17% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	BAE Systems Lockheed Martin Corporation General Atomics Raytheon Company Bionic Power Inc. Safran Ekso Bionics SpringActive Revision Military SRI International

What Key Market Opportunities Await Suppliers of Military Exoskeletons?

“Rising Need to Improve Safety of Dismounted Soldiers and Government Investments in Advanced Technology”

Soldiers need to adjust according to changing demands of the battlefields. Therefore, armed forces and governments are providing cutting-edge technology to soldiers. Military organizations are investing heavily in these technologies to improve efficiency and safety for dismounted soldiers. Exoskeletons offer additional protection to warriors from external injuries and help in reducing tiredness.

Multiple tasks, including handling materials by hand, carrying loads, clearing obstacles like windows and walls, maintaining fire positions for longer periods, and similar other tasks are completed by a dismounted close combatant. Sustainability, survivability, lethality, and mobility are four prominent categories used to classify these activities.

Exoskeletons add physical enhancements to some capability areas. Their use allows soldiers to sprint more rapidly across the battlefield and lift bigger objects for extended periods. In addition, military ecosuits assist soldiers in deep crawls and squats while leaving their upper bodies open to carry weapons or tools.

What Obstacles Do Military Exoskeleton Suppliers Need to Overcome in Their Quest for Success?

“High Cost of Development & Implementation of Military Exoskeletons”

High cost associated with the development and implementation of military exoskeletons is predicted to serve as a prominent barrier. Increased R&D expenditures are required for the development of complex exoskeleton technology as various components are not available easily. This leads to increased investments in R&D and certifications to manufacture military-grade products, which is projected to have some adverse effects on expansion opportunities.

What Strategies are Start-ups Incorporating to Increase Their Market Competitive?

“Emphasis on Producing Technologically Advanced Military Exoskeletons to Tackle Modern Warfare Requirements”

Military organizations are opting for more advanced armed suits and exoskeletons around the world due to the emergence of dynamic warfare. Technological breakthroughs in modern warfare are generating demand for military exoskeletons. Start-ups can invest in new technologies to boost the effectiveness of military exoskeletons. Constant inventions and advanced methodologies are some important factors that can increase the walking and running efficiencies of users with the assistance of military tactical exoskeletons.

Country-wise Insights

What’s Influencing the Demand Growth for Military Exoskeletons in the United States?

“High Emphasis on Technological Advancements in Military Equipment”

The United States is projected to hold a significant position in the North American market for wearable robotics due to the rising population of disabled individuals. In addition, growing expenditure on research activities for product advancements is generating opportunities for players there.

Moreover, rising support from public & private organizations, availability of technologically advanced products, and partnerships & collaborations among players are estimated to boost opportunities there.

How is the Military Exoskeleton Space Shaping Up in Germany and the United Kingdom?

“Increasing Government Investments in Defense Technology”

The German market is predicted to hold a significant revenue share whereas the United Kingdom market is projected to advance at a rapid pace between 2023 and 2033. The German government is spending significantly to develop artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technologies to enhance its defense capabilities. The governments of the United Kingdom and Germany are investing in R&D activities to enhance human performance and facilitate the exoskeleton rehabilitation of injuries of patients caused due to neurological illnesses.

Why are China and India Leading the Asia Pacific Market?

“Thriving Demand for Rehabilitation Support with Rising Patient Pool”

China’s military exoskeleton space is estimated to hold a high share of regional market revenue, and the Indian market is anticipated to advance at a significant pace over the decade. Rising patient pool in these countries is boosting the demand for rehabilitation support that is contributing to increased revenue streams. Advancing healthcare infrastructure along with the easy availability of support from the government in the form of funding and other assistance is estimated to open up lucrative opportunities for players.

It is also a known fact that both China and India have huge military budgets and are continuously striving to upgrade their combat equipment. This is also influencing the market for combat exoskeletons in these two countries.

Category-wise Insights

Which Product is Projected to Account for Significant Revenue Streams?

“Assistive Functions of Partial-Body Exoskeletons Leading to Widespread Military Deployment in Weight Lifting and Heavy Equipment Tasks”

Full-body military exoskeletons and partial-body military exoskeletons are two prominent product types. Demand for partial-body exoskeletons is predicted to accelerate at a CAGR of 17% through 2033. Upper-limb and lower-limb exoskeletons are used to make up these exoskeletons. Lower-limb exoskeletons are designed to provide more strength to lower body parts.

These suits find application for multiple purposes, including body part support and rehabilitation and assistive. They are used frequently by military personnel for the facilitation of handheld tasks that include lifting weights and heavy equipment.

Why is Demand for Lower Body Military Exoskeletons Growing Rapidly?

“Increasing Prevalence of Lower Body Disabilities”

The global market is classified into upper body, full body, and lower body, based on body parts. Among these, lower-body military exoskeletons held a 42.8% share of the revenue streams in 2022 due to a large number of cases of lower-body disabilities.

In addition, rising adoption of industry products by geriatric and paralyzed populations for mobility, weight-bearing, and stability is contributing to market growth. Lower-body products are used widely by defense and military personnel to assist soldiers or to enhance their speed.

Which Type of Military Exoskeleton is the Focal Point of Manufacturers?

“Passive Military Exoskeletons Cost-effective and Offer Movement Flexibility to End Users”

Active and passive are the two types of global industry, based on power. Between these two, demand for passive military exoskeletons is projected to increase at a CAGR of 16.4% from 2023 to 2033.

This structure comprises stiff links, joints, a structure body, and springs. A passive military exoskeleton is adjusted to fit according to the geometry of a specific body structure. It is controller- and motor-free and can efficiently unload multiple joints of part of the human body compared to their whole range of motion.

The flexibility of movements or degree of freedom helps determine the price of passive robotic exoskeletons. They provide affordable and lightweight solutions to improve endurance, strength, and speed for multiple tasks. Passive military exoskeletons are safer and more robust compared to active robotic exoskeletons.

Key Market Players

Businesses on a global stage are making investments with diverse objectives, encompassing the upkeep of product standards, assurance of product quality control, reinforcement of supply chain management systems, and more.

Manufacturers of military exoskeletons are spending heavily on R&D activities for product innovations and developments to expand their reach across geographies. They are adopting various strategic activities, including contractual agreements, product launches, and some other similar strategies.

For instance :

• India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization), in June 2021, reported testing of its active exoskeleton that is capable of assisting soldiers in carrying loads of about 100 kg, with a time of operation of up to 8 hours.
• The United States AFLCMC (Air Force Life Cycle Management Center), Arizona State University (ASU), and Air Mobility Command (AMC) announced a partnership to develop an Aerial Port Exoskeleton. This equipment is designed to reduce the strain of aerial porters while lifting multiple items. This new product helps increase the safety of porters.

Top companies in the military exoskeleton market are BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Atomics, Raytheon Company, Bionic Power Inc., Safran, Ekso Bionics, SpringActive, Revision Military, and SRI International.

Segmentation of Military Exoskeleton Industry Research

• By Type :

  • Full-body Exoskeleton
  • Partial-body Exoskeleton

• By Body Part :

  • Upper Body
  • Lower Body
  • Full Body

• By Power :

  • Active
  • Passive

• By End Use :

  • Military
  • Healthcare

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa