Rehabilitation Robots Market

Market Overview

The global rehabilitation robots market size was valued at USD 314.1 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.3 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 17.9% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The rising per capita healthcare spending and the rapid acceptance of technologically improved equipment in the healthcare sector are driving the growth of the rehabilitation robot market. 

Rehabilitation robots are advanced robotic systems that help people rehabilitate from disabilities, injuries, or surgeries by restoring motor function, improving mobility, and increasing overall independence. These robots use advanced sensors, actuators, and control systems to conduct personalized therapy sessions and aid patients with various exercises and tasks.

The increased sensitivity of the older population to falls, as well as the rising prevalence of illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injury, and other age-related disorders, are expected to boost market growth. The advantage of rehabilitation robots is that they provide speedy patient recovery using sophisticated technology, increasing demand and adoption rates, hence improving industry growth. Furthermore, the automation of devices may enable multiple patients to be treated concurrently and even in their homes via telemedicine.

Highlights

• Exoskeleton accounts for the largest market share.
• Lower body influenced market growth by extremities.
• Hospitals and clinics generate the highest revenue share by end-use.

Market Dynamics

Global Rehabilitation Robot Market Drivers

Increasing Geriatric Population

The growing worldwide senior population is a crucial driver of the rehabilitation robot industry. As the elderly population expands, so does the prevalence of age-related illnesses like stroke, Parkinson's disease, and osteoarthritis, creating a greater need for rehabilitation services and technologies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 and older is anticipated to treble by 2050, reaching roughly 2.1 billion individuals. This demographic transition coincides with an increase in age-related illnesses that frequently necessitate rehabilitation, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and osteoarthritis. Every year, more than 6.6 million people die from strokes globally, and researchers say the number is growing, particularly among the young and middle-aged, as well as in low- and middle-income nations. According to a 2023 study published in Neurology, the number of deaths from ischemic stroke will nearly double to 5 million by 2030, up from 2 million in 1990.

In the United States, for example, stroke is the primary cause of long-term impairment in older people. According to the American Stroke Association, those over the age of 65 account for nearly 75% of all strokes. The expanding global old population, combined with an increase in the frequency of age-related illnesses, highlights the need for enhanced rehabilitation interventions such as rehabilitation robots to fulfill this demographic's rehabilitation demands.

Furthermore, studies have found that rehabilitation robots can dramatically improve functional outcomes and quality of life in older people undergoing neurological rehabilitation. As the global elderly population grows, so will the demand for rehabilitation robots to fulfill the increasing need for effective rehabilitation services.

Global Rehabilitation Robot Market Restraints

High Cost

Rehabilitation robots may incur high upfront procurement, installation, and upkeep expenses. The substantial initial expenditure required to purchase these advanced robotic systems may be a barrier to adoption, especially for smaller healthcare facilities and clinics with restricted resources. Furthermore, the necessity for specific training for healthcare workers to operate and give therapy with these robots raises the entire economic burden.

Additionally, rehabilitation robots cost approximately USD 70,000 on average, including additional annual maintenance expenditures. The high R&D and technological integration costs may impact the product's final price. For example, one study discovered that robot-assisted therapy costs USD 140 per session, whereas traditional therapy costs USD 218. Over a 12-week treatment period, robot-assisted therapy costs USD 5,152, whereas traditional therapy costs USD 7,382.

Furthermore, research has indicated that the return on investment (ROI) for rehabilitation robots is not often immediately visible, particularly in smaller clinics or facilities with lower patient volumes. While rehabilitation robots provide long-term benefits such as improved patient outcomes, less caregiver load, and possible cost savings through shorter hospital stays and fewer therapy sessions, the initial investment may constitute a barrier to adoption.

Global Rehabilitation Robot Market Opportunity

Growing Demand for Home-Based Rehabilitation Solution

With the growing preference for home-based healthcare and telemedicine, there is a greater need for rehabilitation robots that can be employed in the home. As technology advances, rehabilitation robots will become more compact, user-friendly, and economical, allowing patients to manage their rehabilitation autonomously at home while receiving remote monitoring from healthcare professionals. This shift toward home-based rehabilitation will enable manufacturers to create portable and cost-effective robotic systems designed for home usage, expanding their market reach and meeting the needs of a larger patient group.

In addition, the COVID-19 epidemic has also expedited the use of home-based healthcare solutions, such as remote rehabilitation services and telerehabilitation programs. With social distancing measures in place and limited access to healthcare facilities, many patients have opted for home-based rehabilitation to keep their therapy regimens safe and successful. This trend has driven manufacturers to innovate and create more adaptable and accessible rehabilitation robots to meet the growing demand for home-based rehabilitation solutions.

According to a recent survey of healthcare providers (HCPs), 93 percent of doctors are now adopting RPM technologies in all cardiac rehab settings, indicating a significant integration of technological improvements in the healthcare industry. The poll was done by Vivalink, a primary provider of digital healthcare solutions, and focused on the adoption and effect of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology in clinic and home-based rehab contexts. It highlighted numerous critical insights about the expanding trend of home-based treatment. For example, 68 percent of doctors reported having done some level of home-based cardiac rehab, with 29 percent doing more or the same amount of home-based than clinic-based, highlighting the growing preference for remote care settings. 

Regional Analysis

The global rehabilitation robots market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global rehabilitation robots market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 18.0% over the forecast period. In 2023, North America dominated the rehabilitation robots industry, accounting for 50% of all revenue. The rising occurrence of spinal cord injuries in the region is driving market expansion. The expanding senior population and growing disabled population are two factors driving the usage of rehabilitation robots. According to the CDC, one in every four adults in the United States has a handicap, making them the country's and the world's largest minority community.

In addition, in 2023, 50% of those with disabilities were 65 or older, compared to 18% of those without disabilities. Such numbers show that a bigger population would profit from rehabilitation robots, ultimately stimulating regional prosperity. Furthermore, constant technological advancements and increased government research investment in the healthcare sector are driving market expansion in North America. The presence of private entities that provide cash for R&D to develop technologically innovative items is accelerating expansion.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 18.5% over the forecast period. The expanding older population in Asia-Pacific is the driving force behind the development of rehabilitation robots. According to a World Bank report, the senior population is predicted to reach around 1.3 billion by the end of 2050. Furthermore, increased strategic activities such as mergers and acquisitions, product launches, and partnerships are expected to drive regional industry growth. Thus, these elements are expected to drive growth in the coming years. 

Similarly, several countries in the region are implementing robotic equipment to treat their patients better. For example, in 2018, New Life Rehab Hospital (India) implemented robotic therapy for neuro, ortho, and geriatric patients. They use robotic devices attached to the patient to allow them to move their limbs naturally. 

Europe is predicted to have a sizable market share over the projection period. The region's expanding need for medical rehabilitation robots is related to expanding the healthcare sector. According to CEOWorld Magazine, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Spain are among the TOP-10 "Countries with the Best Health Care Systems in Europe."

Segmental Analysis

The global rehabilitation robot market is segmented based on type. Extremity, end-use.

The market is further segmented by type into therapy robots and exoskeletons.

Exoskeletons had the highest revenue share at 60% in 2023. Exoskeletons are wearable robotic systems that augment and support human movement, especially for people with mobility or musculoskeletal disorders. These robotic exoskeletons are rigid or flexible structures, powered joints, sensors, and actuators that work with the user's body to help with movement and give mechanical support. Exoskeletons can be developed for upper limb, lower limb, or full-body applications based on the user's rehabilitation requirements. They are commonly used in neurological rehabilitation for illnesses such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis, as well as orthopedic therapy for musculoskeletal problems, joint replacements, and athletic accidents. Exoskeletons allow people with mobility impairments to stand, walk, and do everyday activities more independently and confidently, enhancing their quality of life and functional outcomes.

Furthermore,  the expanding older population is predicted to fuel an increase in the use of exoskeletons. For example, according to data published by the European Commission in 2020, approximately 20.6% of Europe's population was over 65. Furthermore, the prevalence of cerebral palsy, the most frequent childhood disability, is projected to boost the popularity of exoskeleton robots. The rising prevalence of paralysis, spinal cord injury, and stroke is a major driver of the segment's growth. Increasing awareness and acceptance of exoskeletons in medical care drives market growth. Spinal cord injuries are one of the leading causes of patient impairments and disabilities. Exoskeletons facilitate rehabilitation efforts in spinal trauma patients, fueling market growth. 

Therapy robots are predicted to increase at the quickest CAGR throughout the projection period. Therapy robots are designed to help patients undertake a variety of rehabilitation exercises and activities that enhance motor function, mobility, and general physical well-being. These robots are often made up of robotic arms, end-effectors, and interactive interfaces that let patients perform therapeutic movements and exercises. Therapy robots are highly versatile and adjustable, allowing therapists to tailor therapy methods to specific patients' requirements and rehabilitation goals. The growth can be ascribed to the healthcare sector's increasing acceptance of therapy robots, increased investment in R&D to develop technologically improved products, and rising awareness of therapy robots.

Based on extremities, the market is fragmented into the upper body and the lower body.

The lower body extremities had the highest share, accounting for 60%. Lower body rehabilitation robots are designed to help patients restore movement and functionality in their legs, hips, and feet. These robots could include exoskeletons or robotic devices that help in standing, walking, and weight-bearing exercises. Lower body rehabilitation robots are used to help people recover from lower limb limitations caused by illnesses like spinal cord injury, stroke, and amputation. These robots help patients improve their balance, gait patterns, and lower limb strength, allowing them to walk and participate in physical activities. 

Moreover, the prevalence of lower-body disorders is expected to rise, as is the aging population and the number of paralyzed patients. The robotic lower-body exoskeleton is used to assist in the treatment of lower-limb paralysis and to promote muscle activation in the lower Body. These are utilized mainly by the fragile elderly, those who have multiple sclerosis, stroke victims, and those with significant gait abnormalities.

The upper body extremity is predicted to have the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Upper-body rehabilitation robots are developed to aid patients with arm, shoulder, and hand motions. These robots usually have robotic arms or end-effectors that help patients execute exercises to enhance upper limb function, range of motion, and strength. Upper-body rehabilitation robots are routinely employed to treat illnesses such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury, which frequently cause upper limb deficits.

In addition, these robots aid and guide patients during therapy sessions, helping them regain motor control, coordination, and independence in daily activities. This is because of the benefits of using and adopting robotic technology for the upper extremities, such as neurological deficits, post-stroke rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal difficulties. Furthermore, upper body exoskeletons and robots assist people with disabilities in their regular duties. Thus driving segment growth. 

The market can be further bifurcated by end-use into hospitals and clinics, senior care facilities, and home care settings.

The hospitals and clinics segment had the highest revenue share, at 50%. Rehabilitation robots are widely utilized in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities as part of comprehensive rehabilitation programs. These clinics often provide specialized therapeutic services to individuals suffering from traumas, surgeries, or neurological disorders. Rehabilitation robots at hospitals and clinics are operated by skilled healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation specialists. They are integrated into the whole treatment plan and can be combined with other rehabilitation modalities to provide individualized and intensive therapy interventions.

Additionally, the growth is primarily due to increased healthcare expenditure and the fast use of new technology in healthcare institutions. Furthermore, a significant population with musculoskeletal diseases, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions tends to seek rehabilitation treatments in hospitals, driving the segment's growth. Furthermore, rising awareness of technologically advanced systems and increased FDA approvals for medical exoskeletons are expected to fuel segmental growth. One of the crucial variables likely to drive the market throughout the projected period is the expansion of key players' lineups for upgrading robotic technology to empower individuals and allow them to return to their regular activities. 

Senior care facilities are predicted to develop quickly due to an increasing elderly population. Senior care facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities, offer residential care to the elderly who have chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related limitations. Rehabilitation robots are employed in senior care institutions to help seniors recover from falls, strokes, and degenerative disorders. These robots are frequently integrated into the facility's rehabilitation programs. They may be operated by trained personnel or monitored by healthcare professionals to help residents maintain or improve their functional abilities and independence.

Furthermore, growing government initiatives to establish elder care facilities worldwide and increased demand for better healthcare facilities for senior persons are driving market expansion.

Recent Developments

• March 2024: The Neurological Clinic Sorpesee Therapy Center is happy to receive MYRO®, PABLO®, and TYMO® occupational therapy equipment.
• February 2024: DIH Holding US, Inc., a leading global robotics and virtual reality ("VR") technology provider in the rehabilitation and human performance markets, announced the completion of its business combination with Aurora Technology Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: ATAK) ("ATAK").