A procurement FAQ for mechatronic orthoses: what the specs hide, who should avoid powered exoskeletons, and how to compare EksoNR, HAL, Atalante X and Indego.
ExoSelect researchContinue reading
Editorial QA
Checked for sourced parameters, internal links and prohibited claims.
A mechatronic orthosis is an active or hybrid system that uses sensors, actuators and control algorithms to assist movement, whereas a passive exoskeleton relies on springs or mechanics without powered assistance. In our database, EksoNR, Atalante X, Indego and ExoMotus M4 are active; HAL Lower Limb is hybrid, reading bioelectric signals to drive assistance. This distinction matters for procurement because active systems introduce battery life, charging time, control modes and clinical supervision requirements that passive systems do not.
Five systems meet the medical category criteria: EksoNR (Ekso Bionics), HAL Lower Limb (Cyberdyne), Atalante X (Wandercraft), Indego (Parker Hannifin) and ExoMotus M4 (Fourier Intelligence). All are lower-limb or gait-oriented devices, and all are quoted on inquiry rather than sold off a price list. For a broader comparison, see our comparison tool and the medical exoskeleton category page.
| System | Drive | Weight | Assist torque | Lift support | Speed | Battery life | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EksoNR | Active | 23.6 kg | 40 Nm | Not applicable | 1.1 km/h | 4 h | FDA, CE |
| HAL Lower Limb | Hybrid | 17 kg | 40 Nm | Not applicable | 1.5 km/h | 3 h | CE medical, ISO 13485 |
| Atalante X | Active | 65 kg | Unknown | 80 kg | 2.5 km/h | 4 h | CE medical |
| Indego | Active | 12.3 kg | Unknown | Not applicable | 2 km/h | 4 h | FDA, CE |
| ExoMotus M4 | Active | 23.5 kg | Unknown | Not applicable | 1.2 km/h | 3 h | NMPA, CE |
All data from ExoSelect database, sourced from manufacturer documents. Where a value is unknown or not applicable, it is stated as such.
Three parameters are consistently missing or unverified across the dataset, and each has direct procurement consequences:
Additionally, warranty is uniformly 12 months, but service contract terms and spare-part pricing are not disclosed. Lead times vary from 8–12 weeks (EksoNR) to programme-dependent (HAL), which affects deployment planning.
If your clinic needs stair training, do not choose EksoNR or Atalante X: both explicitly state that stairs are not supported. If you require a system with published peak assist force to compare against patient needs, none of these five qualify—consider waiting for updated disclosures or requesting the data directly from makers. If your budget model requires a capital purchase with a known price, HAL Lower Limb’s lease/treatment programme may be unsuitable. And if portability is critical, Atalante X at 65 kg is not a device you move between rooms without planning; the Indego (12.3 kg) is far more mobile.
Certifications differ: EksoNR and Indego hold both FDA and CE, making them viable in North America and Europe. HAL Lower Limb has CE medical and ISO 13485 but is listed in Japan, Europe and Asia-Pacific—not North America. Atalante X has CE medical and is available in Europe and North America. ExoMotus M4 has NMPA and CE, with availability in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Buyers must confirm that the certification matches their jurisdiction; for example, FDA clearance is absent for HAL and ExoMotus, which may limit use in the US.
All five systems cite clinical studies, but the depth varies. EksoNR references published stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation studies; HAL cites studies in stroke, SCI and neuromuscular conditions; Atalante X mentions clinical studies in neurological rehabilitation; Indego points to peer-reviewed gait training studies; ExoMotus M4 refers to clinical rehabilitation studies in China. None of the database entries provide effect sizes or trial registrations, so buyers should request full clinical dossiers from makers.
Start by requesting the undisclosed parameters: peak assist force, peak assist torque (where unknown), indicative price, service contract terms, and spare-part pricing. Ask for certification documents and clinical evidence summaries. For a structured template, use our inquiry form to contact makers directly. Compare responses side-by-side using our comparison tool, and review individual product pages for EksoNR, HAL Lower Limb, Atalante X, Indego and ExoMotus M4.
The terms are often used interchangeably. In our database, all systems are mechatronic orthoses because they integrate sensors, actuators and control software; “powered exoskeleton” emphasises the active drive. HAL Lower Limb is hybrid, using bioelectric signals, while others are fully active.
Manufacturers may consider it proprietary or clinically sensitive. For buyers, this means you cannot compare devices on force output; you must rely on torque (where published) and clinical evidence. Request it explicitly in your inquiry.
EksoNR, Atalante X, Indego and ExoMotus M4 are available on inquiry, typically as capital purchases. HAL Lower Limb is often offered as a lease or treatment programme. No system lists a price, so all require a quote.
Request a documented peak assist force and total cost of ownership quote from at least two makers. Use our inquiry desk to send a structured request, or compare the EksoNR and Indego side-by-side first.
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
