Exoskeletons are wearable devices that assist people with mobility challenges, such as those recovering from strokes or spinal cord injuries, or individuals with cerebral palsy. These devices support the body and can help individuals walk, stand, and perform daily activities.

Publicly funded research has been instrumental in developing exoskeleton technology. For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense supported the early development of the Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) through DARPA funding. This project, led by Professor Homayoon Kazerooni at University of California Berkeley, aimed to assist soldiers in carrying heavy loads. The success of BLEEX led Dr. Kazerooni’s team to the creation of medical exoskeletons like Ekso and Phoenix, which have helped individuals with paralysis to walk, stand, and speak face to face with peers in an upright position.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have also played key roles in funding exoskeleton research. Researchers from the NIH Clinical Center Rehabilitation Medicine Department created the first robotic exoskeleton specifically designed to treat crouch (or flexed-knee) gait in children with cerebral palsy. At Georgia Tech, researchers received an NIH grant to develop smart exoskeletons that adjust to each person’s walking style after a stroke. At Penn State, an NSF grant helped improve the comfort and fit of robotic walking devices. Additionally, at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Professor Zach Lerner has been awarded grants from both NIH and NSF to develop exoskeletons aimed at improving mobility for children with cerebral palsy. These projects are just some of many examples highlighting how federally funded research at U.S. universities has significantly advanced the development of exoskeletons for medical use, particularly in rehabilitation and mobility assistance.