Medical exoskeletons: what are HAL, ReWalk and Ekso used for?

HAL, ReWalk, Ekso: these medical exoskeletons have nothing in common with our sports models. Rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, specialist centres: what they really do.

Introduction: one word, two very different worlds

When you type "exoskeleton" into a search engine, the results mix very different devices: our sports and work models on one side, and medical devices such as HAL, ReWalk or Ekso on the other. These two worlds almost never overlap.

This is not medical advice. This article does not sell any of the products mentioned: it explains what they are, to avoid confusion, especially if you are looking for a solution for a medical condition or a relative in rehabilitation.

Chapter 1: HAL, an exoskeleton that reads the body's signals

HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) is developed by the Japanese company Cyberdyne. According to the manufacturer, the device detects the bioelectrical signals given off through the skin when the brain commands a movement, even before the movement happens. Motors at the hip and knee then carry out the movement, and information about that movement goes back to the brain, which is meant to help relearn how to walk.

There are medical versions and so-called "well-being" versions, for supporting work or the back.
According to the manufacturer, its main use remains the rehabilitation of patients with a spinal cord injury, in specialist centres.

Chapter 2: ReWalk (Lifeward), to stand up again after a spinal cord injury

ReWalk, now sold by the company Lifeward, is a wearable exoskeleton intended primarily for people with a spinal cord injury, as well as patients in rehabilitation after a stroke, a traumatic brain injury or with multiple sclerosis. It aims to let people stand and walk in a care setting, as part of rehabilitation rather than independent everyday use.

Chapter 3: Ekso and others, in rehabilitation centres

Ekso Bionics makes exoskeletons used in rehabilitation centres to support the return to walking after a stroke, a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury. Other manufacturers, such as Ottobock with its motorised knee orthoses, offer similar devices for partial paralysis of one leg. In every case, this is equipment used under medical supervision, not a product you order online for personal use without follow-up.

Chapter 4: how it differs from our products

The target users. These devices are for people with a specific medical condition or disability, with medical follow-up. Our products (Ski-Mojo, Hypershell, Stoko, Hapo) are aimed at sport, hiking or work for able-bodied people.
The regulatory status. A medical exoskeleton falls under the European Medical Device Regulation, with risk classes and its own certification process, described in our question on medical device status.
Access. They are mostly used in rehabilitation centres, on prescription, and are not bought directly by the public.

Frequently asked questions

Can you buy a HAL or a ReWalk for personal use?

According to the manufacturers' public information, these devices are mainly deployed in care and rehabilitation centres, not sold as consumer products. Check directly with the manufacturer or your care team.

Are the Ski-Mojo or the Stoko K1 medical exoskeletons?

No, they are sports products. The Stoko K1 is presented as a Class 1 medical device in the United States and Canada, which is still a very different category from the rehabilitation devices described here: see our question on medical device status.

Do these medical exoskeletons treat a condition?

This is not medical advice. They support rehabilitation in a care setting; the decision to use one lies with the medical team, not the user alone.