Global military exoskeleton market is estimated to witness significant growth, due to rising defense budget allocations and high demand for power augmentation technologies
Global Military Exoskeleton Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 153.2 Mn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.5% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Significant defense budget allocations by countries and growing demand for power augmentation technologies from the defense sector can drive the market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, rapid technological advancements in material science used in exoskeleton development can boost adoption of military exoskeletons.
Market Dynamics:
Global military exoskeleton market growth is driven by rising defense expenditure as well as huge demand for power augmentation technologies from the defense sector worldwide. Increasing defense budgets allow countries to invest heavily in advanced military technologies including exoskeletons that enhance soldier efficiency and protection on the battlefield. Growing need to augment soldier strength for carrying heavy loads and weapons can boost demand for military exoskeletons. The exoskeletons help boost soldier endurance and mobility while reducing fatigue during long missions.
Advancement in Exoskeleton Technologies Drives Market Growth
Global military exoskeleton market growth is driven by advancement in exoskeleton technologies. Exoskeleton technologies are improving at a rapid pace, which enables their usage for new military applications. Researchers and exoskeleton manufacturers are developing more lightweight, comfortable and high-performance exoskeleton designs. This allows exoskeletons to enhance soldier capabilities for lifting heavy loads, augmenting strength, reducing fatigue and enabling augmented endurance. Some key technology advancements include use of carbon fiber materials to reduce weight, development of adaptive controls for enhanced ergonomics and integration of power sources like lithium-ion batteries for longer battery life. Such ongoing innovations can expand the capabilities of military exoskeletons, and this boosts adoption across armed forces.
Increasing Military Spending on Soldier Modernization Programs
Rising military budgets and investments in soldier modernization initiatives globally can drive the market growth. Many countries are upgrading their soldier systems through focused programs that seek to equip soldiers with next-gen technologies for survival, mobility and lethality on the battlefield. Exoskeletons have emerged as a key capability enhancement area under these programs. For instance, the U.S. Army's soldier modernization strategy prioritizes human performance augmentation through exoskeleton technologies. Militaries of India, U.K., France, Japan and South Korea have initiated exoskeleton research and pilot programs. Growing defense budgets and emphasis on soldier welfare direct more funds towards such initiatives, thus, offering opportunities for exoskeleton manufacturers and researchers.
Cost Associated with Development & Maintenance
Global military exoskeleton market growth can be hampered due to high costs associated with research, development and maintenance of exoskeleton systems. Designing exoskeleton technologies suitable for military applications while fulfilling stringent requirements of ruggedness, reliability and combat compatibility is an extensive engineering challenge that demands heavy investments. Costs are incurred towards ongoing product improvements, testing, certification and after-sales maintenance services. The high expenditure poses budgetary constraints, especially for militaries of developing countries with limited defense funds. Unless offset through partnerships and cost-sharing agreements, affordability issues may restrict widespread procurement of exoskeleton technologies in initial phases.
Technical Limitations Reducing Soldier Mobility
Technical limitations of current exoskeleton designs can potentially reduce soldier mobility and agility on the battlefield. While exoskeletons augment certain physical capabilities, these also add to the overall load carried by soldiers. Some designs with rigid structures may place mobility constraints in varied terrain conditions requiring climbing, crawling, jumping, and others. Power limitations of onboard batteries also impact suitability for long combat missions. Addressing these restrictions through design innovations reducing weight and increasing flexibilities will be crucial for military usage. Until technical barriers around mobility, range and endurance are adequately addressed, full-scale deployment of exoskeletons in combat scenarios may remain limited.
Increasing Defense Budget Allocations for Soldier Modernization
Increasing allocation of defense budgets towards soldier modernization initiatives globally can offer growth opportunities. Key militaries are prioritizing programs that enhance soldier survivability, mobility, situational awareness and endurance on the battlefield through advanced technologies. This growing emphasis on soldier welfare and capabilities can offer opportunities for exoskeleton and human performance augmentation solutions. Sustained investments into soldier modernization by military powers like U.S., China, and India can lead to increased R&D funding and pilot procurements of exoskeleton technologies.
Emergence of New Military Application Areas
Emergence of new military application areas for exoskeleton technologies beyond load carriage also presents growth opportunities. Exoskeletons are being explored for applications involving casualty evacuation, logistical transportation of supplies, bomb disposal units and augmentation of duties for military working dogs. Successful extensions into non-traditional domains would broaden the use cases and attract defense procurements from new customer segments. It will be an opportunity for manufacturers to diversify their product portfolios, address alternative military requirements and tap new revenue streams. Strategic partnerships across application domains can support expansion into latent growth areas.
Link - https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/military-exoskeleton-market-5445
Key Developments:
- In September 2023, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), a leading defense research organization in Taiwan, launched its latest version of a locally-made powered exoskeleton suit. This mechanized wearable system is designed for use in wartime and during post-disaster rescue missions. The exoskeleton is engineered to deliver precise torque at the right moments, assisting with knee flexion and extension, thus, reducing the energy expended by wearers when navigating various terrains, squatting, or kneeling, ultimately enhancing mobility and minimizing fatigue.
- In August 2022, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), a major subordinate command of Army Futures Command, provided funding to HeroWear, a U.S.-based industrial exosuit manufacturer, and Vanderbilt University to iteratively design and fabricate dozens of pre-production units of the Soldier Assistive Bionic Exosuit for Resupply (SABER). SABER is a passive exoskeleton model that was developed and evaluated with the help of over 100 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Fort Sill, and Fort Knox. The goal is to ramp up production to hundreds of units in 2023, with DEVCOM Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) conducting field demonstrations for critical stakeholders to get the technology into the hands of soldiers while simultaneously working on a broader transition path.
- In October 2021, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan's leading defense research organization, launched a locally developed powered exoskeleton suit designed for wartime and post-disaster rescue operations. This mechanized wearable system, weighing 10 kg, aims to enhance the strength and endurance of its users, enabling them to move at speeds of up to 6 kph while assisting with various tasks such as carrying heavy equipment and navigating challenging terrains.
- In February 2021, Sarcos Robotics, a provider of mobile robotic defense systems, and Paramount Group, a global aerospace and technology company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance Sarcos' sales of defense exoskeleton technology to government and industrial clients in the Middle East and Africa. The partnership involves significant investments in next-generation, lightweight exoskeletons equipped with advanced sensors, aimed at improving the overall situational awareness of dismounted soldiers during operations.
Key Players:
ASELSAN A.S., BAE Systems plc, Bionic Power Inc., Dephy Inc., Ekso Bionics, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Mawashi Science & Technology, Raytheon Company, Revision Military, Rostec, Safran SA, Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, SpringActive, and SRI International
