Powered Exoskeletons; What's stopping us?
jws: Efficiency: It is hard to beat wheels on hard surfaces for efficiency. Battery life.Stability: Wheelchairs are inherently stable. There are a 1000 ways to fall from a standing position.Cost: Two small motors in a wheelchair. A dozen powerful actuators in a legs only exoskeleton. Simple tubing suffices for a wheelchair, an exoskeleton will be pushed to more exotic materials and forms because any additional weight will raise the cost of the actuators and reduce the already sad battery life.Ask this question again when you see recreational exoskeletons for wealthy people.