• • • AI • • •


ENABLING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AI POWERED EXOSKELETONS


BY DAVE WALSHA,


SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (EMS)


W


ith industrial and rehabilitation workers under constant pressure from repetitive strain and heavy lifting, a new


generation of AI-driven exoskeletons is moving beyond rigid, pre-set assistance toward intelligent, real-time adaptive support. Across the UK, initiatives like UK RAS STEPS are pushing the boundaries of robotics and human–machine interaction, accelerating systems that can respond dynamically to real-world conditions and user behaviour.


30 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MAY 2026


The International Federation of Robotics reports more than 542,000 industrial robots installed in 2024 and global deployments now exceeding 4.6 million units. At the same time, Health and Safety Executive data shows that manual handling accounts for around 17 per cent of all non-fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain. Exoskeletons sit between these pressures, offering targeted physical support in areas where automation cannot fully replace human movement.


From assisted movement to


intelligent support Early exoskeletons prioritised lifting support, often at the expense of flexibility. Movement could feel rigid, which limited long-term use. That is now changing as AI enables systems to respond in actual time.


Traditional systems relied on pre-programmed assistance curves. These worked well in controlled tasks, but struggled with variation. AI-driven systems instead adjust output in real time based on movement, load and environment. This shift is already visible in practice. In the UK, the ABLE Exoskeleton has been introduced into rehabilitation programmes, where it is used to support patients with spinal cord injuries and gait disorders through adjustable, personalised assistance. Its design allows clinicians to adapt support to each patient’s needs, reflecting a broader move towards systems that respond dynamically rather than follow fixed movement patterns.


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


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