In Episode 27 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics Podcast, we sit down with Gregory Galarneau of The Exoskeleton Store for a grounded discussion on what occupational exoskeleton adoption actually looks like in the field. Rather than staying at the level of theory, this episode digs into how Gregory entered the space through industrial automation, why he saw exoskeletons as a practical answer for tasks that could not easily be automated, and how The Exoskeleton Store grew into a major North American distributor focused on matching real workplace problems with real wearable solutions.

The conversation then moves into the realities of implementation: why exoskeletons often need a “try before you buy” approach, how worker feedback can make or break adoption, and why success depends on much more than just a product spec sheet. Gregory shares lessons from customer trials, the personal nature of body-worn technology, and the differences between top-down deployments and demand driven by real worker need. By the end, the episode becomes something close to a field report on the current occupational exoskeleton market, including where adoption is working, where it stalls, and what trends may shape the next phase of growth.

Thank you to all of my Patreon supporters for making this possible. Your support is both financial and moral, and it helps me continue producing podcast episodes, transcripts, and independent coverage of exoskeletons and wearable robotics. I really do appreciate it, and I hope that if you enjoy this content you would consider becoming a Patreon supporter as well: https://www.patreon.com/ExoskeletonReport/membership

Main Topics:

00:00 Introduction to Episode 27 and Gregory Galarneau of The Exoskeleton Store

02:23 How Gregory Galarneau got into occupational exoskeletons from industrial automation

04:46The first customer story that changed the mission of The Exoskeleton Store

08:30 Why exoskeletons need to be tried before they are bought

13:05 Why exoskeleton implementation is different from traditional automation

16:37 A successful exoskeleton rollout: trial, buy-in, and safety award

24:54Cautionary tales: why some exoskeleton projects fail

28:32 Hunting elephants vs. helping small businesses adopt exoskeletons

32:54 Culture, Japan and Europe, and why North America may be adopting more slowly

55:39 Where the industrial exoskeleton market is heading in the next 5 to 10 years

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In Episode 26, we’re joined by Dr. Karl Zelik, a biomechanical engineer and Vanderbilt University professor whose work sits right at the intersection of research, real-world deployment, and industry translation. Karl is also Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at HeroWear, an industrial exosuit company, and a board member of the American Bionics Project, giving him a rare “full-stack” view of how wearable robotics has evolved from early lab prototypes to products and programs used in the field. In this conversation, Karl draws on that cross-sector perspective to unpack what’s truly changed in exoskeletons over the last decade: what progress is real, what misconceptions are finally fading, and what still needs to happen next.

For more, see:
HeroWear: https://herowearexo.com/
Exoskeleton Report: https://exoskeletonreport.com
Wearable Robotics: https://wearablerobotics.com

If you enjoy my videos, please support me and the Exoskeleton Report on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/exoskeletonreport/membership

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Thrilled to have our first guest who is an integrator of ocuppational and industrial exoskeletons, Andre Jutel, from Stanley Handling Ltd. Andre has worked for an exoskeleton producer before becoming a full time division head. He accutely understands the importance of education, communication, setting expactations and matching the correct device and solution to the ergonomic concern at a job site.

0:00 Episode 25 kickoff: implementor's perspective (Stanley Handling)
1:38 Meet Andre Jutel: how he got into exoskeletons + what Stanley does differently
10:54 WearHealth + “warehouse app”: matching the right exo to the right use case
25:45 Real-world impact story: “the surgeon who kept operating” (lung transplant)
38:07 Why people resist exoskeletons (and why PPE gets accepted) — change management
47:24 Education & ROI: turning “I don’t want this” into informed adoption (standards matter)
1:03:00 Implementers vs. resellers: why deployments fail (aka the “dusty cupboard” problem)
1:15:33 Wrap-up + community call-to-action

For more, see:
Exoskeleton technology used in worlds first double lung transplant at Harefield Hospital https://stanleyhandling.co.uk/exoskeleton-technology-double-lung-transplant-harefield-hospital/
Stanley Handling: https://stanleyhandling.co.uk
Exoskeleton Report: https://exoskeletonreport.com
Wearable Robotics: https://wearablerobotics.com

If you enjoy my videos, please support me and the Exoskeleton Report on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ExoskeletonReport

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What does 55 years of combined exoskeleton and powered prosthetics just between two peopel sound like!? In Episode 24 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Goldfarb, a H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University with additional appointments in electrical engineering, computer science, and physical medicine and rehabilitation, and director of the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics. His 30+ years of work focuses on wearable robotics and assistive technologies, including powered lower-limb prostheses, multigrasp hand prostheses, and the Indego exoskeleton, one of the first commercially available powered exoskeletons designed to help people with spinal cord injury and other mobility impairments stand and walk. In this episode, Dr. Goldfarb talks with us about the evolution of prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons, what it really takes for devices to “help without hindering,” and where he sees the future of wearable robotics heading.

Major Topics:
00:00:00 — Intro & Patreon Shout-Outs
Episode welcome, Who Dr. Michael Goldfarb is, and VIP Patreon acknowledgements.
00:01:09 — Early Robotic Ankles: “Were You Really One of the First?”
Asking Michael to react to the claim that he was among the first to make a successful robotic ankle.
00:02:25 — How Did You Get Into This Field?
“Can you tell us about your work? What got you interested in this field?”
00:04:23 — Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Exoskeletons: Where’s the Line?
Host asks how he sees the boundary between prosthetics, orthotics, medical exoskeletons, and augmentation of able-bodied users.
00:05:24 — Helping Impaired vs Enhancing Healthy Users
Discussion around why the “performance bar” is different for people with disabilities vs healthy users.
00:10:29 — Naming the Field: What Do We Call These Devices?
Conversation about terminology in an emerging technology field (exoskeletons, wearable robots, etc.).
00:20:29 — Where Is the Real Value Add?
Question about when it’s worth adding an exoskeleton vs when existing solutions are already good enough.
00:25:44 — Swing Phase, Stumbling, and Not Getting in the Way
Host asks about risks when swing assistance is high at the wrong time and how to avoid tripping users.
00:28:15 — Do Users Feel the Help? Awareness of Assistance
Story of a user asking “what was that?” and discussion about whether assistance should be noticeable or invisible.
00:30:35 — Why Haven’t Powered Exoskeletons Taken Off Yet?
“We expected to see tons of powered systems by now—what’s holding them back? Marketing, aesthetics, use-case fit?”
00:40:20 — Can Machine Learning Solve Exo–Human Coordination?
Asking about the prospects of using machine learning to coordinate exoskeleton actions with user intent.
00:50:33 — Understanding Human Intent
“How can I do that—how can I understand what the human wants?” in the context of exo control architectures.
00:57:51 — Outro

🔗 Learn more:
Dr. Michael Goldfarb: H. Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Director, Center for Intelligent Mechatronics - https://www.vanderbilt.edu/vise/visepeople/michael-goldfarb/
Exoskeleton Report: https://exoskeletonreport.com
Wearable Robotics: https://wearablerobotics.com

💌 Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Stay updated on exoskeleton news, jobs, and research.

☕ Support the Podcast: on Patreton @exoskeletonreport

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make this episode a reality!

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Episode 23 with Bionice Power: Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome & Introductions
Bobby Marinov and Dr. Tom Sugar introduce the episode and guests: Gualtiero, CEO, and Rob Nathan, Director of Operations at Bionic Power.

01:20 – From Military to Medical
How Bionic Power began in 2007 developing energy-harvesting knee exoskeletons for soldiers, and later pivoted to medical rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy.

04:40 – Understanding Crouch Gait
Rob Nathan explains crouch gait and how the company’s device helps children fully extend their knees and walk with less fatigue.

07:00 – Light, Smart, and Personalized Design
Why low-torque, lightweight actuation combined with custom orthotic integration is key to making the device safe, comfortable, and long-lasting.

12:30 – Life-Changing Results: Catalina’s Story
Real-world success story: a young girl who moved from a wheelchair to walking and dancing thanks to Bionic Power’s Agilik system.

16:30 – Intelligent Control & Safety
Discussion on software-controlled torque and position, preventing hyperextension, and supporting both unilateral and bilateral users.

19:00 – Regenerative & Stair-Climbing Capabilities
New modes allow walking down ramps and stairs, even recharging the battery while descending.

22:00 – Commercialization & Insurance Coverage
How patients access the device through certified orthotists, and details on U.S. insurance reimbursement and distribution partnerships.

29:45 – Impact on Pediatric Mobility
Why early mobility intervention matters: improved endurance, gait mechanics, and potential lifelong benefits for children.

35:00 – Durability & Closing Thoughts
Tested for millions of walking cycles, the system shows military-grade durability. The episode closes with optimism about future clinical studies.

🔗 Learn more:
Bionic Power: https://bionic-power.com
Exoskeleton Report: https://exoskeletonreport.com
Wearable Robotics: https://wearablerobotics.com

💌 Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Stay updated on exoskeleton news, jobs, and research.

☕ Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/ExoskeletonReport

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make this episode a reality!

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Join Dr. Tom Sugar (Wearable Robotics Association) and Bobby Marinov (Exoskeleton Report) as we recap RehabWeek 2025, a world leading conference for rehabilitation robotics, medical exoskeletons, and neurotechnology which was held in Chicago this May.

In this episode, Tom shares highlights from the exhibition floor, where 6+ societies united to showcase the future of human mobility. Hear firsthand impressions of cutting-edge exoskeletons and rehab technologies from:
• RobotCT — lower-limb and pediatric exoskeletons
• XoMotion — hands-free self-balancing gait systems
• Wandercraft — autonomous walking exoskeletons
• NextStep Robotics — powered ankle assistance for drop foot
• Fourier Rehab — upper- and lower-limb therapy robots and humanoid assistants
• ⚙️ Robotomize — hip, shoulder, and hand rehabilitation devices

Plus, a recap of a powerful moment when content creator Blue Eye Queen stands and walks again for the first time in months using a new hands-free fall-safe mobility device.

RehabWeek 2025 was more than a conference, it was a glimpse into how wearable robotics and rehabilitation technology are reshaping independence, recovery, and mobility.

⸻

🔗 Learn more: https://exoskeletonreport.com
Wearable Robotics: https://wearablerobotics.com
💌 Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter: Stay updated on exoskeleton news, jobs, and research.
☕ Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/exoskeletonreport

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make this episode a reality!

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Is there a way to physically simulate the behavior of wearable devices? From shortening the product iteration and development cycle to creating a new method to testing out prosthetics and orthotics... Humotech aims to simplify the development and adoption of prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons. In Episode 21 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics podcast, we sit down with Dr. Josh Caputo, Founder and CEO of Humotech and Realize Labs, to discuss his company’s unique approach and vision for the future.

Main Topics:
00:00 Introduction
09:07 Getting Mobility Technology to be a national priority and in front of the US Senate
16:30 Humotech's Unique Approach to Prosthetics and Orthotics
40:44 About Realize Labs
46:23 How Humotech's wearable product development capabilities can be used by larger companies

For more information pelase visit:
Humotech: https://humotech.com
Realize Labs: https://realizelabs.tech
Exoskeleton Report: http://exoskeletonreport.com
Wearable Robotics Association: https://wearablerobotics.com

If you enjoy this content, join the physical revolution on Patreon / exoskeletonreport

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make this episode a reality!

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Thrilled to have Melissa DiVierti, aka "BLUE EYE QUEEN," join Dr. Tom Suggar, aka "Sugar Daddy Jetpack Tommy," and me, Bobby Marinov, aka "Therion," as we discuss how we can make exoskeleton technology look more colorful and accessible. It is no secret that the world of wearables and wearable robotics is dominated by men, with only a handful of the 100+ startups in the field being led by women. That has translated into the design aesthetics, creating metal and wires and walking robocops, which can be most unappealing to the general population.

We are fortunate to have Melissa on this episode, as she is a triple-threat force of nature: an exo user, a person who can benefit from physical mobility aids, and someone with both an engineering degree and an art degree. We fill the hour with discussions from all points of view, from the practicality of exoskeletons to how to make them more appealing. This and much more on Episode 20 of the Exoskeletons and Wearable Robotics podcast:

Main Topics:
01:40 How did you discover this medical technology and the Shirly Ryan Rehabilitation Center?
05:12 Using the Biomotum device at the Shirly Ryan AbilitiyLab
11:05 Did the exoskeleton help you walk?
15:31 The perfect suit for sacral agenesis.
20:02 Home use availability?
22:08 Adding colors and visual customization to wearables.
28:48 What else do exoskeletons need?
37:54 We need more ladies working on and showcasing exo technology!
40:58 Combining prosthetics/orthotics with exoskeletons.
47:52 We need everyone, especially non-engineers with diverse perspectives.
56:34 Call to action: have exos on real people in real scenarios who don't already know you.

Follow Blue Eye Queen:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo6KWP81E4QglF3r1cNgYLA/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadivietri/
TED Talk: Melissa DiVietri: https://www.ted.com/talks/melissa_div...
Website https://melissadivietri.com/about/

For more information on exoskeletonst:
Exoskeleton Report: http://exoskeletonreport.com
Wearable Robotics Association: https://wearablerobotics.com

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make this episode a r

Support the show