care & love
In a sunlit rehabilitation center in São Paulo, Brazil, 34-year-old Carlos Ferreira takes his first unassisted steps in over two years. A construction accident left him with a spinal cord injury, and for months, he relied on a wheelchair to move. Today, though, he's standing upright, supported by a sleek, motorized frame wrapped around his legs—a robotic lower limb exoskeleton. As he grins, tears in his eyes, his physical therapist, Dr. Lima, adjusts the device's settings. "This isn't just technology," she says. "It's giving people their lives back."
Carlos's story isn't an anomaly. Across South America, exoskeleton robots are no longer the stuff of sci-fi movies. They're becoming a tangible solution to some of the region's most pressing mobility and healthcare challenges. From helping stroke survivors regain movement in Buenos Aires to supporting farm workers in Colombia reduce strain on their joints, these wearable machines are transforming how we think about independence, rehabilitation, and physical support. But why is South America—specifically—emerging as a hotbed for this demand? Let's dive into the factors driving the rise of exoskeletons in this vibrant, diverse continent.
South America is getting older—and fast. According to the United Nations, the region's population aged 65 and over is projected to triple by 2050, reaching 143 million people. In countries like Uruguay and Chile, nearly 20% of the population is already over 65. With aging comes a higher risk of mobility issues: arthritis, osteoporosis, and strokes are leading causes of disability among older adults. For many, traditional mobility aids like walkers or canes offer limited support, often leaving them dependent on caregivers.
Enter exoskeletons. These devices, which use motors, sensors, and AI to augment or restore movement, allow older adults to maintain independence. Take 72-year-old Elena in Montevideo, Uruguay, who suffered a stroke last year. "Before the exoskeleton, I couldn't even stand to cook my own meals," she says. "Now, I can walk to the market, visit my grandchildren, and do the things that make me feel alive." For families, this means less strain on caregivers—a critical need in a region where formal elderly care services are often scarce or expensive.
South America also grapples with high rates of traumatic injuries. Workplace accidents are a major concern: in Brazil, over 700,000 work-related injuries are reported annually, many in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Sports injuries are another culprit—football (soccer) is a national obsession, and professional players and amateurs alike frequently suffer knee, hip, or spinal injuries. Traffic accidents, too, contribute to mobility issues; in Argentina, road fatalities are 50% higher than the global average, with many survivors facing long-term disabilities.
For these patients, rehabilitation can be slow and costly. Traditional physical therapy often requires weekly visits to clinics, which is challenging for those in rural areas or with limited transportation. Robotic lower limb exoskeletons offer a solution: they can be used at home with minimal supervision, allowing patients to practice movements daily. In Peru, a pilot program in rural Cusco provides exoskeletons to remote communities, cutting down on travel time for therapy. "Patients used to miss 30% of their sessions due to distance," says Dr. Mendez, who runs the program. "Now, they're consistent—and we're seeing faster recovery times."
South America's healthcare systems are a mixed bag. While countries like Chile and Uruguay have strong public health networks, others, like Bolivia and Paraguay, struggle with limited resources, especially in rural areas. Even in wealthier nations, specialized rehabilitation centers are concentrated in cities, leaving rural populations underserved. Exoskeletons are emerging as a way to bridge this gap. Portable, user-friendly models can be deployed in community health centers or even patients' homes, bringing advanced care to areas that need it most.
In Colombia, for example, a nonprofit called "Movilidad para Todos" (Mobility for All) has distributed over 200 exoskeletons to rural clinics since 2022. "Many of our patients live hours from the nearest hospital," says program director Ana Gómez. "With these devices, a physical therapist can train a local nurse to oversee sessions, and patients can practice daily. It's not replacing human care—it's expanding it."
While rehabilitation is a key driver, exoskeletons in South America aren't limited to healthcare. They're also making waves in industries where physical labor is demanding—and often dangerous. Let's explore two unexpected areas where demand is booming: the workplace and sports medicine.
In the coffee farms of Colombia's Andes Mountains, workers bend and stoop for hours daily, picking beans. Over time, this repetitive motion leads to chronic back and knee pain—a leading cause of early retirement in the industry. In 2023, Colombian coffee giant Juan Valdez partnered with a European exoskeleton manufacturer to trial "passive" exoskeletons (devices that use springs and hinges, not motors) on its farms. The results were striking: workers reported 60% less pain, and productivity increased by 15% as they could work longer without fatigue.
It's not just agriculture. In Argentina's construction sector, companies like Techint are equipping workers with robotic lower limb exoskeletons to assist with heavy lifting. "We used to have one back injury every two weeks," says site foreman Ricardo Alvarez. "Since introducing exoskeletons, that number has dropped to zero in six months. Workers feel safer, and they're more efficient." With labor shortages plaguing many industries post-pandemic, exoskeletons are also helping older workers stay employed longer, reducing the need to hire and train new staff.
In a continent where football is religion, keeping athletes on the field is big business. South America's top leagues, like Brazil's Campeonato Brasileiro and Argentina's Liga Profesional, are investing heavily in exoskeletons to speed up recovery for injured players. Take Neymar Jr.'s former teammate, Lucas Moura, who tore his ACL in 2022. Instead of the typical 9-month recovery, he was back training in 6 months using a lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton. "It allowed me to start weight-bearing exercises earlier, strengthening my knee without risking re-injury," he told reporters.
Even amateur athletes are benefiting. In Chile, a startup called ExoSports offers exoskeleton rental programs for weekend warriors with knee or hip injuries. "We've had runners, cyclists, and even surfers use our devices to stay active during recovery," says founder Felipe Torres. "It's not just about getting back to sports—it's about staying mentally healthy, too. When you can still move, you don't feel like you're 'out of the game.'"
The demand for exoskeletons in South America hasn't gone unnoticed by global manufacturers. Companies like Ekso Bionics (USA), CYBERDYNE (Japan), and ReWalk Robotics (Israel) have established partnerships with local distributors, while regional startups are also emerging. In Brazil, for example, startup ExoTech has developed a low-cost, 3D-printed exoskeleton tailored to the region's climate (think heat-resistant materials for tropical countries) and affordability needs.
To understand the market's growth, let's look at the numbers. According to a 2024 report by Latin America Healthcare Insights, the exoskeleton market in South America is projected to grow at a 27% annual rate, reaching $420 million by 2028. Brazil leads the pack, accounting for 40% of regional sales, followed by Argentina (18%), Chile (15%), and Colombia (12%). The table below breaks down the key players, target markets, and popular exoskeleton types in these countries:
| Country | Top Exoskeleton Uses | Leading Manufacturers/Partners | Annual Growth Rate (2023-2028) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Rehabilitation (stroke, spinal cord injuries), Industrial | Ekso Bionics, ExoTech (local startup) | 31% |
| Argentina | Sports medicine, Elderly mobility | CYBERDYNE, ReWalk Robotics | 25% |
| Chile | Industrial (mining, construction), Rural rehabilitation | Comau (Italy), ExoSports (local startup) | 28% |
| Colombia | Agriculture, Healthcare access in rural areas | DeltaTrak (USA), Juan Valdez (partnerships) | 23% |
Government support is also fueling growth. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health included exoskeletons in its 2023 "National Rehabilitation Plan," offering subsidies for low-income patients. Chile's government has launched tax incentives for companies that adopt exoskeletons in the workplace, aiming to reduce workers' compensation claims. Even smaller countries like Uruguay are getting in on the action: in 2024, Montevideo became the first city in South America to offer free exoskeleton rentals for elderly residents through public libraries (yes, libraries—they're expanding beyond books!).
For all its promise, the exoskeleton boom in South America isn't without hurdles. Cost remains the biggest barrier. A high-end robotic lower limb exoskeleton can cost $50,000 or more—out of reach for most families and even many healthcare facilities. While startups like ExoTech are working on budget-friendly models (their 3D-printed exoskeleton retails for around $8,000), insurance coverage for these devices is still rare. In Brazil, only 12% of private health plans cover exoskeletons, and public healthcare systems often have long waitlists.
Accessibility is another issue. Even when exoskeletons are available, many users and caregivers lack training. In rural areas, where healthcare providers may not be familiar with the technology, patients struggle to set up or maintain the devices. "We once delivered an exoskeleton to a clinic in the Amazon, and the staff didn't know how to charge it," says Dr. Lima, recalling a 2022 incident. "We had to do a Zoom training with a translator. It worked, but it highlighted the need for better education."
Cultural perceptions also play a role. In some communities, there's stigma around using "robotic" devices, with older adults associating them with helplessness. "My grandmother refused to use the exoskeleton at first," says 28-year-old Sofia in Lima, Peru. "She said, 'I'm not a machine.' It took months of showing her videos of other seniors using it to change her mind."
Despite these challenges, the future looks bright. As technology advances, exoskeletons are becoming lighter, more affordable, and easier to use. Companies are experimenting with "wearable exoskeletons" that look like regular clothing—think motorized leggings or braces—making them less bulky and more socially acceptable. In Brazil, ExoTech is testing a "smart sock" exoskeleton that uses pressure sensors to assist with balance, targeted at older adults at risk of falls.
Government and private sector partnerships are also set to expand. In 2024, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced a $100 million fund to support exoskeleton innovation in Latin America, with a focus on rural healthcare and industrial safety. "We see exoskeletons as a tool for equity," says IDB representative Maria Alvarez. "They can level the playing field, giving people in small towns the same access to mobility as those in big cities."
Perhaps most importantly, the human stories keep driving progress. Back in São Paulo, Carlos Ferreira is now walking without the exoskeleton for short distances, though he still uses it for longer outings. "I'm going to watch my son's soccer game next month—from the stands, not the wheelchair section," he says. "That's the power of this technology. It's not just about moving your legs. It's about moving forward."
South America's demand for exoskeletons isn't just about gadgets. It's about addressing deep-seated issues: an aging population, unequal healthcare access, and a desire for independence. As Carlos, Elena, and thousands of others have discovered, these devices are more than machines—they're symbols of resilience, innovation, and the belief that mobility is a right, not a privilege.
So, the next time you hear about exoskeletons, think beyond the tech specs. Think about the farmer in Colombia who can now work without pain, the stroke survivor in Argentina who can hug her grandchild standing up, or the construction worker in Brazil who's back on the job. In South America, exoskeletons are more than a trend—they're a movement. And it's only just getting started.