Powered Exoskeletons: Walking assistance types and lighten heaviness types

Domestic manufacturers

I   Current Status of Powered Exoskeleton Market

1. Domestic Market Players

1. Large number of companies has entered the market to enable walking assistance, and to lighten the heaviness.  Some domestic companies align with universities to develop technologies.
2. The series of companies have entered the market especially in FY2014, in line with their development of care robots.

2. Transition of Market Size

1. Those powered exoskeletons aiming to reduce heaviness are driving the market.  The market size is likely to expand rapidly in volume from FY2014.
2. The market size in value is led by walking-assistance type, followed by reducing heaviness type that is likely to be launched in FY2015.

3. Transition of Market Share by Manufacturer

1. The market share by manufacturer differs greatly when compared by volume and value. There is variation according to the aim, method, and sales target.
2. IMASEN　ENGINEERING　CORPORATION occupies the largest share of the walking-assistance-type Exoskeleton market calculated in volume, whereas CYBERDYNE INC. occupies the largest market share calculated in value.
3. INNOPHYS CO.,LTD. has rapidly grown both in volume and value in the reducing-heaviness-type Exoskeleton market.

II   Product Trends of Powered Exoskeletons

1. Categorized by Aim by Power Source the technology of which are developed by each of manufacturer
2. Sensing methods and motive power that are uniquely introduced by each of manufacturer
3. Assisting power and effects that support strength or reduce loads for specific moves and postures
4. Now that various products are about to be on product lists, assessment will be started by aim by power and by price
5. Categorization of powered exoskeletons for business is done by power/sales target.  Categorization of exoskeletons for individuals is yet to be done.

III Approaches/Attempts by Leading Domestic Market Players

12 enterprises

IV   Awareness Trends of Major Powered Exoskeletons Manufacturers

1. While walking-assistance-type powered exoskeletons require limited conditions, reducing-load-type already has an environment to compare.  There are lots to overcome challenges to increase effects. 
2. Security or ensuring safety is up to manufacturers. Standards for safety differ by manufacturer.
3. Those walking-assistance-type powered exoskeletons pursue versatility, while those reducing-heaviness-types aim to be specific use, with such specific situations to be diverse.
4. Although mass production may reduce price, there are differences whether to mass produce or not according to manufacturers.  The next stage is to pursue production size.
5. Potential demands are extremely large in spite of existing targets. It is important to acquire demands that expand further.
6. Manufacturers have an intention to develop their business overseas, especially for manufacturers of powered exoskeletons aiming to assist walking. The manufacturers of powered exoskeletons aiming to reduce heaviness tend to give prior to domestic market.
7. Common awareness by the manufacturers is that the products became fully lined up and are ready to be familiarized.

V   Potential and Future of Powered Exoskeletons

1. Due to short history, there are many issues and challenges to be coped with.  On the other hand, the expectation toward future is very large.
2. There are magnitude of potential demands just in the domestic market.  More demands can be expected in the future. 
3. Extensive applications and diversification of functions according to aim can be expected.  Lower costs will improve bring about carefreeness of buying
4. Forecast of market size is on the rise both in volume and value.  There are huge potential in the market.