Passive vs. Active Exoskeletons: What’s the Difference?

What Are Exoskeletons and Why Use Them?

Exoskeletons are wearable devices that act like an external supportive frame for the human body. Much like a suit of high-tech armor, an exoskeleton helps people by reducing physical strain and fatigue or by enhancing their strength and endurance. These devices are used in many settings from factories and construction sites to rehabilitation centers because they can improve worker safety, boost productivity, and even assist people with mobility impairments. But not all exoskeletons work the same way. Broadly, there are two types: passive exoskeletons and active exoskeletons. Understanding the difference between them is key to choosing the right kind of support for your needs.

Passive Exoskeletons: Support Without Power

Passive exoskeletons are the simpler of the two types. The word 'passive' means there are no motors, no batteries, and no external power sources at work. Instead, passive exoskeletons rely on mechanical components things like springs, elastic bands, or counterbalancing mechanisms to provide support. They cleverly store and release energy as you move, effectively giving you a boost without any motors. In practical terms, a well-designed passive exoskeleton balances the load of whatever you’re holding or lifting, so your body doesn’t bear the full brunt of gravity.

A great example of a passive exoskeleton is the Skelex 360 shoulder and arm support system. It has a lightweight frame with flexible elements that act like a recurve bow to support your arms. It was created to help workers who spend long hours with arms raised or working at shoulder height and above. Wearing this passive exoskeleton, a worker’s arms feel much lighter because the device is taking on part of the load, reducing strain on the shoulders.

Benefits of Passive Exoskeletons:

- No batteries to charge

- Lightweight and quiet

- Low maintenance

- Affordable

Considerations:

- Limited to redistributing force, not usually adding extra strength

- Needs correct fitting and adjustment

- Not suited for tasks requiring high power assistance

Active Exoskeletons: Powered Assistance

In contrast, active exoskeletons use power and intelligent components (like motors or actuators) to assist movement. These 'powered exoskeletons' run on batteries and include sensors that detect the wearer’s motion. Motors then provide additional force to help with lifting, gripping, or walking.

An example of an active exoskeleton is the Ironhand glove. This soft robotic glove detects when you are about to grip something and adds force through artificial tendons, reducing the effort needed to hold tools or parts. This is particularly useful for tasks involving repetitive or forceful hand motions.

Benefits of Active Exoskeletons:

- Provides greater assistance

- Can augment strength or movement

- Smart features for customization and or data collection

Considerations:

- Usually heavier and bulkier due to motors and batteries

- Requires charging and maintenance

- Typically more expensive

Choosing the Right Type for the Job

Both passive and active exoskeletons have unique advantages. Passive models like the Skelex 360 are excellent for reducing fatigue in repetitive tasks and are easy to use. Active models like Ironhand offer more powerful support for demanding tasks.

When deciding which type to use, consider:

- Task type and force required

- Need for powered assistance

- Comfort and mobility preferences

- Maintenance and charging logistics

Passive vs. Active Exoskeletons: What’s the Difference? In summary, passive exoskeletons are ideal for endurance and fatigue reduction, while active exoskeletons are better suited for strength enhancement or mobility support. Whichever type you choose, both help people work smarter, safer, and more comfortably.