The two types of exoskeletons
Active & passive exoskeletons
Exoskeletons are a revolutionary new tool that can help people improve their mobility and strength. They can be categorised as active or passive exoskeletons and there are different applications for both.

Active exoskeletons
An active exoskeleton is a mechanical device that enables the user to carry heavier loads or reach higher speeds. In addition to mechanical elements, active exoskeletons have other active drive components that also contribute to force reduction. This type of exoskeleton gives the wearer more strength and mobility than they would normally have.
Active exoskeletons are mainly used in the Industry and in the military. Clinical applications for active exoskeletons can be found in the rehabilitation sector, for example. These exoskeletons can help patients with paralysis to improve their mobility and strength. The technology is also used in the Logistics increasingly popular, as it can help workers to carry heavy loads more easily, such as the Auxivo CarrySuit.
Passive exoskeletons
Passive exoskeletons only support the body using mechanical elements such as springs, rails and weights. They do not have an independent drive that is actively controlled. The loads that occur are absorbed by the stable structure and converted into energy or transferred to the ground.
Passive exoskeletons are therefore lighter and offer more flexibility, as they do not support the wearer's movements but balance the load.
Passive exoskeletons are mainly used in industrial and sports medicine. They can be used to train muscle strength and endurance and to minimise the risk of injury. In industrial manufacturing, passive exosuits are used to help workers lift heavy objects or even take the load off them, such as the Ottobock Back. In sports medicine, a passive exosuit can also help athletes to train their strength and endurance and minimise the risk of injury. Passive exoskeletons are also frequently worn by people who suffer from a disability or chronic illness.
Comparison
There are both advantages and disadvantages to active and passive exoskeletons. Models without an electric drive are independent of a power supply, while active systems have to be powered by rechargeable batteries or batteries, for example. However, active models sometimes offer a higher level of support. Ultimately, the significance of the individual advantages and disadvantages can only be determined with regard to the respective application. Application be determined.
Exoskeletons therefore offer promising applications for people with disabilities as well as for people in industrial environments or in the sports sector. Whether active or passive, exoskeleton technologies have the potential to significantly improve quality of life and give people more freedom.