Current State, Needs, and Opportunities for Wearable Robots in Military Medical Rehabilitation and Force Protection

Wearable robots are devices attached to the human body to enhance or assist motor functions. The technology may empower individuals to execute tasks with reduced physical strain, enhanced efficiency, and prolonged task and mission endurance. Despite advances in wearable robots across various fields, there is no consensus definition or design framework for the application of this technology in rehabilitation or musculoskeletal (MSK) injury prevention. Wearable robots can assist by augmenting the user’s strength and endurance, allowing people to sustain performance for longer periods without experiencing excessive fatigue, a common issue in military personnel activities that require prolonged physical effort.

• 1
  Wearable robots can be grouped into three main applications: (1) primary and secondary MSK injury prevention, (2) enhancement of military activities and tasks, and (3) rehabilitation and reintegration.
• 2
  Wearable robots may offer new and alternative approaches for improved mobility and functionality, and may be useful in facilitating daily activity engagement by improving task performance in work environments and fostering greater social integration.
• 3
  This study defines wearable robots for military rehabilitation and MSK injury prevention, identifies health outcomes and assessment tools, and outlines design requirements for future advancements.