care & love
In a sunlit therapy room in Tokyo, 62-year-old Mr. Watanabe stands slowly, his legs trembling slightly but steady—something he hasn't done unaided since a severe stroke left him partially paralyzed two years ago. What's supporting him isn't just the therapist by his side, but a sleek, lightweight robotic suit wrapped around his legs: a lower limb exoskeleton. "It feels like having a friend lifting me up," he says, tears in his eyes. "For the first time, I can walk to the garden and pick my wife's favorite chrysanthemums again."
Stories like Mr. Watanabe's are becoming increasingly common across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, where aging populations, rising rates of stroke and spinal cord injuries, and a growing focus on patient-centered care are driving demand for innovative rehabilitation tools. Robotic lower limb exoskeletons—once confined to science fiction—are now bridging the gap between traditional physical therapy and independent mobility, offering new hope to millions. But with so many options flooding the market, how do you find the best one for your needs? Let's dive in.
Not all exoskeletons are created equal. When searching for the right fit—whether for a loved one, a clinic, or yourself—keep these essential features in mind:
After consulting therapists, users, and industry experts across Japan, South Korea, China, and Australia, we've narrowed down the top contenders making waves in APAC rehabilitation:
A pioneer in the field, CYBERDYNE's HAL has been a game-changer since its FDA approval in 2014. Designed to "read" the user's muscle signals via sensors on the skin, it moves in sync with their intended motion—no clunky controls required. Ideal for stroke survivors and those with spinal cord injuries, HAL weighs around 23kg (including batteries) and offers 4 hours of use per charge.
"HAL feels like an extension of my body," says Ms. Li, a 45-year-old teacher from Beijing who uses it daily. "After my spinal injury, I thought I'd never walk my daughter to school. Now, we race to the bus stop every morning."
A favorite among clinics in China and Southeast Asia, Focalink stands out for its affordability and versatility. Weighing just 18kg, it's lighter than many competitors, making it easier for users to adjust independently. Its touchscreen control panel simplifies setup, and the modular design lets therapists customize support for specific joints (knees, hips, or ankles). Battery life clocks in at 5 hours, and it's compatible with gait analysis software to track progress over time.
Samsung's entry into the exoskeleton market focuses on everyday mobility rather than clinical rehabilitation. Weighing a mere 5.5kg (yes, you read that right!), GEMS is designed for older adults or those with mild mobility issues who want to maintain independence. It's sleek, battery-powered (6 hours per charge), and even connects to a smartphone app to monitor activity levels. Think of it as a "wearable support system" for grocery runs, family gatherings, or morning walks.
A household name in exoskeletons, ReWalk's Personal model is built for long-term, home use. Targeting users with paraplegia (paralysis from the waist down), it uses a simple remote control to initiate walking, standing, and sitting. While heavier (27kg), its robust design and 6-hour battery life make it a reliable choice for daily activities. ReWalk also offers comprehensive training and support via local partners in Japan, Australia, and Singapore—critical for first-time users.
| Model | Weight (kg) | Battery Life | Target Users | Control System | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CYBERDYNE HAL | 23 | 4 hours | Stroke, spinal cord injury | Muscle signal detection | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Fourier Intelligence Focalink | 18 | 5 hours | General rehabilitation, post-surgery | Touchscreen + app | $45,000–$60,000 |
| Samsung GEMS | 5.5 | 6 hours | Mild mobility issues, older adults | Smartphone app | $15,000–$25,000 |
| ReWalk Personal | 27 | 6 hours | Paraplegia | Remote control | $80,000–$100,000 |
*Prices vary by region, features, and insurance coverage. Always check with local distributors for the latest deals.
With so many options, choosing an exoskeleton can feel overwhelming. Here's how to break it down:
The APAC region is leading the charge in exoskeleton innovation, with researchers and companies pushing boundaries to make these devices more accessible, affordable, and effective. Here's what to watch for in the next 5–10 years:
Imagine an exoskeleton that learns your walking pattern over time, adjusting its support to match your progress. AI algorithms will soon analyze data from sensors in real time, tailoring therapy plans to each user's strengths and weaknesses—like a personal trainer and physical therapist rolled into one.
Current exoskeletons are often heavy and expensive due to their metal frames. New materials like carbon fiber and 3D-printed polymers will slash weights (think 10kg or less!) and costs, making exoskeletons accessible to middle-income families and smaller clinics.
In rural areas of APAC, access to specialized therapists is limited. Future exoskeletons could connect to therapists via video calls, allowing remote monitoring and adjustments. A stroke survivor in rural Vietnam, for example, could receive real-time guidance from a specialist in Ho Chi Minh City—no travel required.
At the end of the day, the "best" exoskeleton isn't just about specs and features. It's about the moments it unlocks: a parent walking their child to school, a retiree tending their garden, a patient rebuilding their confidence one step at a time. In APAC, where family and community are at the heart of life, these devices aren't just tools—they're bridges to reconnecting with the people and activities we love.
Whether you're exploring options for yourself or someone else, remember: you're not just buying a machine. You're investing in hope, independence, and a future where mobility barriers are a thing of the past. And in that future, stories like Mr. Watanabe's won't be extraordinary—they'll be ordinary. And that's a world worth walking toward.