Wearable Robotics Companies Launch $5,000 Exoskeletons for Aging Mobility
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · Jun 15
Wearable Robotics Companies Launch $5,000 Exoskeletons for Aging Mobility
3 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Jun 15
Summary
$4,500-$5,000 consumer exoskeletons are moving into the market as lighter ankle-, hip- and knee-assist devices aimed at older adults who still walk but want to go farther and more comfortably.
Companies including Skip and Dephy are pitching them as everyday “movewear” rather than rehab gear, with software that learns a user’s gait and provides battery-powered assistance comparable to an e-bike for walking.
Early users say the devices can extend independence: one septuagenarian said Dephy’s Sidekick improved retirement mobility, while another user walked half a mile without a walker for the first time in years.
Experts see a large future market as populations age and consumers seek to preserve healthspan, though some users still view assistive devices as temporary tools rather than something they want to wear daily.
Could daily reliance on walking exoskeletons cause our muscles to weaken, creating a permanent dependency?
Will $5,000 'powered trousers' create a new mobility divide between the wealthy and the poor elderly?
How soon will digital twins let wearable robots predict and prevent our age-related injuries before they happen?
Exoskeletons for All: The 2026 Launch of MO/GO Powered Pants and the Rapid Growth of the Wearable Robotics Market
Overview
The MO/GO powered pants, created through a partnership between Arc’teryx and Skip, are set to launch in late 2025 or early 2026 and promise to redefine personal mobility. Using advanced exoskeleton technology, these pants are designed to augment physical capabilities by providing substantial assistance, making outdoor activities more accessible. They can offset up to 30 pounds of carried weight, making them especially appealing for backpackers and those tackling strenuous hikes. By enhancing accessibility and outdoor experiences, the MO/GO pants mark a significant step forward in consumer mobility solutions.