Exoskeletons in a disabilities context: the need for social and ethical research

Abstract

The potential of exoskeletons – defined as powered, wearable robots that can enhance the user's strength and endurance – has many groups excited. While they receive some attention in military-focused research, exoskeletons are also garnering attention in the civilian world, in particular for people who have disabilities. This article describes some of the technical, social, and ethical aspects of exoskeletons in a disabilities context. The paper's main purpose, though, will be to shine light on the dearth of social scientific and ethical analyses of this subject and, in doing so, show that these technologies – which are quickly moving from “emerging” to available – can no longer be overlooked as a subject of study.