Exoskeletal

Exoskeletal is an adjective used to describe structures, organisms, or devices that have an external skeleton. In biology, an exoskeleton is an external support framework that envelops the body and provides protection, locomotion leverage, and attachment points for muscles. Exoskeletons are most common among arthropods, including insects, crustaceans, and arachnids, and are typically made of chitin or mineralized composites. Growth requires periodic shedding of the old skeleton, a process called molting. Benefits of an exoskeleton include protection from predators and desiccation, structural rigidity for muscle action, and maintained body shape; drawbacks include vulnerability during molts, limited growth until shedding, and potential mobility constraints.

In engineering and medicine, exoskeletal refers to wearable devices that mimic or augment natural movement. An exoskeletal system can be passive, using braces or springs to improve support, or active, employing actuators and control systems to assist or power joint movement. Common materials include lightweight metals, carbon fiber composites, and advanced polymers to balance strength and weight.

Applications span rehabilitation for spinal cord injury, stroke recovery, and other mobility impairments; industrial and logistics tasks requiring heavy lifting; and military or emergency response scenarios. Design considerations emphasize safety, user comfort, weight, energy efficiency, control responsiveness, and adaptability to various users and tasks.