AI-rewritten: This is a summary of an article from Ars Technica, rewritten by AI (Qwen, running locally) to make it easier to read. The facts come from the original article – read it for the full story.

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Members of Seattle Mountain Rescue are currently testing powered exoskeletons attached to their hips and legs to improve speed and endurance while searching for stranded people. These devices, which create an external mechanical structure, are also used by companies like IKEA, Ford, Boeing, and Mazda to help workers handle heavy loads. In Finland, a project called ExoPELA found that such equipment reduces muscle strain in rescue and firefighting tasks. Additionally, the Ukrainian military has reported that soldiers using Hypershell exoskeletons on the front lines are less fatigued and maintain combat effectiveness longer, according to Colonel Vitalii Serdiuk.

The sector is valued at around $500 million (£370 million) and is predicted to grow significantly by the mid-2030s. This progress relies on affordable robotic motors, sensors, and control systems. Modern active exoskeletons typically consist of a lightweight frame with actuators that convert electric power into mechanical movement. Control units coordinate these movements using sensors to adapt to the wearer’s actions, such as increasing support if fatigue is detected or adjusting speed during running.

Assistance exoskeletons generally fall into three categories: power augmentation, assist-as-needed, and full robotic control. While current models rely on external sensors and batteries, future devices may operate via signals from the wearer’s muscles or brain. Challenges remain regarding battery weight and energy density, though new soft textile materials are being developed to integrate these technologies more seamlessly into clothing. Research from the 1960s contributed to humanoid robotics, which now accelerates advancements in wearable actuators and batteries.