Independent guide to passive shoulder exoskeletons for overhead work: compare Skelex 360, MATE-XT, AIRFRAME and more by weight, assist force and price.
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A shoulder exoskeleton for overhead work is a wearable device that supports the arms during sustained elevation, reducing static load on the shoulders. For industrial procurement, passive spring-based systems such as Skelex 360, Comau MATE-XT and Levitate Technologies AIRFRAME are the main options, with assist forces from 60 N to 100 N and prices from 2,950 USD to 5,900 USD according to the ExoSelect database.
Overhead work—assembly, wiring, painting, maintenance—requires holding the arms above shoulder height, which generates sustained static load on the shoulder girdle. A shoulder exoskeleton provides external support to the upper arm, aiming to reduce that load. This guide compares the passive shoulder exoskeletons in the ExoSelect database on the specifications that matter for procurement: weight, assist force, torque, adjustability, certifications and price. It does not cover active back exoskeletons or hip-focused exosuits, which address different tasks.
Overhead tasks keep the arms elevated for extended periods, causing fatigue and discomfort in the shoulders. A passive shoulder exoskeleton uses springs or elastic elements to support the arm against gravity, reducing the muscular effort required to hold the arm up. This is distinct from back exoskeletons, which assist lifting and forward bending, or hip exosuits, which assist hip extension. For a broader category overview, see the industrial exoskeleton category.
The table below includes only specifications supplied in the ExoSelect database. Where a parameter is not disclosed, it is marked “not disclosed”.
| Model | Maker | Drive | Weight | Assist force | Assist torque | Height range | User weight | Certifications | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skelex 360 | Skelex | Passive | 1.6 kg | 70 N | 12 Nm | 160–195 cm | 110 kg | CE | 4,900 USD |
| MATE-XT | Comau | Passive | 4.2 kg | 100 N | 15 Nm | 155–195 cm | 100 kg | CE, ISO 13482 | 5,900 USD |
| AIRFRAME | Levitate Technologies | Passive | 1.5 kg | 60 N | 10 Nm | 157–198 cm | 113 kg | CE | 2,950 USD |
Note: The Cray X and Apex 2 are included in the database but are not shoulder exoskeletons for overhead work: Cray X is a powered back exoskeleton and Apex 2 is a hip-focused exosuit. They are excluded from this comparison.
Assist force indicates the maximum force the exoskeleton can exert to support the arm. MATE-XT offers the highest assist force at 100 N, followed by Skelex 360 at 70 N and AIRFRAME at 60 N. Assist torque follows a similar pattern: 15 Nm for MATE-XT, 12 Nm for Skelex 360 and 10 Nm for AIRFRAME. Higher assist force may be beneficial for heavier tools or longer sustained holds, but it can also affect freedom of movement. The database does not provide data on how assist force translates to fatigue reduction in specific tasks.
Device weight affects comfort during prolonged wear. AIRFRAME is the lightest at 1.5 kg, followed by Skelex 360 at 1.6 kg and MATE-XT at 4.2 kg. Lighter systems may be preferable for tasks requiring agility or for workers who are new to exoskeletons. However, weight alone does not determine wearability; fit and pressure distribution also matter, and the database does not include field comfort ratings.
All three models are adjustable and accommodate a range of user heights. Skelex 360 covers 160–195 cm, MATE-XT covers 155–195 cm and AIRFRAME covers 157–198 cm. User weight limits are 110 kg for Skelex 360, 100 kg for MATE-XT and 113 kg for AIRFRAME. Procurement teams should verify that the selected model fits the target workforce; the database does not provide sizing charts or fit-test protocols.
MATE-XT and Skelex 360 declare ISO 13482, the safety standard for personal care robots, and CE marking. AIRFRAME declares CE only; its ISO 13482 status is not disclosed. For procurement in regulated environments, ISO 13482 may be a requirement. The database does not include other certifications such as NIOSH or ANSI.
When selecting a shoulder exoskeleton for overhead work, consider the following:
For a side-by-side comparison of these and other models, use the ExoSelect comparison tool. For custom procurement support, contact our team.
The ExoSelect database provides manufacturer-declared specifications but does not include independent test results, field studies or user trials. Parameters such as battery life, sensors and connectivity are not applicable to passive shoulder exoskeletons and are therefore not listed. For models where a parameter is missing, we state “not disclosed” rather than infer a value. Procurement decisions should be based on site trials and a thorough risk assessment, not solely on datasheet values.
A shoulder exoskeleton supports the arms during overhead work, while a back exoskeleton supports the torso during lifting and forward bending. They address different tasks and are not interchangeable.
In the ExoSelect database, all shoulder exoskeletons for overhead work are passive. Active systems exist in other categories, such as the Cray X back exoskeleton, but not for shoulder support in this dataset.
According to the database, AIRFRAME is the lightest at 1.5 kg, followed by Skelex 360 at 1.6 kg and MATE-XT at 4.2 kg.
For a broader view of industrial exoskeletons, see the industrial category page.
Editorial note
This analysis is based on published specifications and named sources. No first-party physical evaluation was performed.
Reviewed by the ExoSelect editorial desk
Sources and notes
