What is an exoskeleton (and a soft exosuit)?
An exoskeleton is a wearable robot that assists or augments human movement. A soft exosuit uses textiles and cables instead of a rigid frame.
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Definition
An exoskeleton is a robot a person wears so the machine can add force to walking, lifting or rehab. A soft exosuit does this without a rigid outer frame: fabric, sensors and cable or tendon actuators.
Why it matters
A humanoid robot moves on its own. An exosuit does not: the wearer still uses their own muscles, and the robot adds force where that falls short. The product questions are the regulatory status as a medical device, and the gait data. Hurotics' October 2026 Series A is a current example.
Frequently asked questions
How is a soft exosuit different from a rigid exoskeleton?
A rigid exoskeleton has a frame of metal or plastic joints. A soft exosuit is worn like clothing and typically pulls with cables or tendons.
Where are wearable robots used?
Rehabilitation, help with everyday walking, and reducing strain in physical work. Research programs such as DARPA's Warrior Web also funded clothing-like designs.
Is there a product in hospitals today?
Hurotics' H-Medi, a soft gait-rehab exosuit, has Korea's Class 2 combination-device certification and has been in Korean hospitals since September 2025.
Coverage
Hurotics raises 25 billion won to take a soft walking exosuit abroad
The Korean wearable-robot maker closed a Series A led by Atinum, with Daewoong, NAVER and Lotte joining. Cumulative funding is above 33.5 billion won.
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