A procurement guide to passive upper-limb exoskeletons: compare Skelex 360, MATE-XT and AIRFRAME on assist force, weight, compliance and undisclosed parameters.
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Upper-limb assist exoskeletons are passive shoulder-support devices that reduce load during overhead or repetitive arm work. This guide compares the three systems in the ExoSelect database—Skelex 360, MATE-XT and AIRFRAME—on the specifications that matter for procurement: assist force, weight, compliance and total cost of ownership. It also flags what the datasheets leave out.
| Specification | Skelex 360 | MATE-XT | AIRFRAME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maker | Skelex | Comau | Levitate Technologies |
| Drive | Passive | Passive | Passive |
| Weight | 1.6 kg | 4.2 kg | 1.5 kg |
| Height range | 160–195 cm | 155–195 cm | 157–198 cm |
| User weight limit | 110 kg | 100 kg | 113 kg |
| Assist force | 70 N | 100 N | 60 N |
| Assist torque | 12 Nm | 15 Nm | 10 Nm |
| Lift support | 5 kg | 5 kg | 5 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Certifications | CE | CE, ISO 13482 | CE |
| Standards referenced | ISO 13482 | ISO 13482 | Unknown |
| Warranty | 24 months | Undisclosed | Unknown |
| Price (indicative) | 4,900 USD | 5,900 USD | 2,950 USD |
| Availability | Available on inquiry | Available | Available on inquiry |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific | North America |
| Lead time | Contact maker | 4–8 weeks | Contact maker |
Assist force is the headline number, but it is not a substitute for task matching. MATE-XT's 100 N is the highest in this set, yet its 4.2 kg weight is more than double that of Skelex 360 (1.6 kg) and AIRFRAME (1.5 kg). For sustained overhead work, wearer comfort often depends on weight distribution and fit rather than raw force. The height ranges are similar (155–198 cm across the three), but user weight limits differ: AIRFRAME supports up to 113 kg, Skelex 360 110 kg, MATE-XT 100 kg. None of the systems offer degrees of freedom beyond 0, meaning they are fixed-profile supports rather than articulated arms.
Certification is a procurement gate. All three carry CE marking, but only Skelex 360 and MATE-XT explicitly reference ISO 13482, the safety standard for personal care robots. AIRFRAME lists CE but its standards are unknown in the database. If your risk assessment requires ISO 13482, AIRFRAME may need additional documentation from the maker.
Several parameters critical to total cost of ownership are missing or unverified:
These unknowns are not trivial. A missing warranty or clinical evidence can shift risk to the buyer, and undisclosed lead times can delay rollout.
If your procurement requires documented ISO 13482 certification and a defined warranty, AIRFRAME is not the right choice until Levitate Technologies provides those details. Similarly, if clinical evidence is mandatory for your ergonomics program, neither Skelex 360 nor AIRFRAME currently satisfies that requirement based on the database. For tasks demanding the highest assist force and you can accommodate a heavier device, MATE-XT is the documented leader—but its undisclosed warranty is a negotiation point. Organizations needing a proven warranty should start with Skelex 360, which lists 24 months.
List prices are indicative: AIRFRAME at 2,950 USD, Skelex 360 at 4,900 USD, MATE-XT at 5,900 USD. However, final quotes depend on configuration, quantity and training. Buyers should request all-in pricing that includes fitting, training, spare parts and service. The undisclosed warranty on MATE-XT and unknown warranty on AIRFRAME mean maintenance costs are harder to predict. For a deeper cost comparison, see our comparison tool.
MATE-XT is available in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific; Skelex 360 in Europe and North America; AIRFRAME only in North America. If you operate in Asia-Pacific, MATE-XT is the only documented option. Lead times also vary: MATE-XT 4–8 weeks; the others require contacting the maker. For a full list of industrial exoskeletons, visit our industrial category page.
Upper-limb assist exoskeletons support the shoulders and arms during overhead work, while back-assist devices support the lower back during lifting. They address different ergonomic risks.
All three are CE-marked. Skelex 360 and MATE-XT reference ISO 13482; AIRFRAME's standards are unknown. Check with the maker for your specific application.
AIRFRAME is 1.5 kg, followed by Skelex 360 at 1.6 kg and MATE-XT at 4.2 kg.
Request a documented warranty and standards statement from Levitate Technologies for AIRFRAME, and compare the full specifications of Skelex 360, MATE-XT and AIRFRAME side by side. For tailored advice, contact our selection desk.
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
