**4.1 Perspectives**

In the next 10–15 years, another important area of development will be modular robotics, specifically exoskeletons made for unique joints such as the hip, knee or ankles, as well as the so-called "soft robotics" that use non-rigid materials, in custom positions to provide movement for people with different physical limitations that do not fit in the current rigid robots. An example of this type of modular robot is the Honda Strike Management Assist (SMA), which fits around a person's waist and thighs like a belt and provides assistance to people with weakened leg muscles. Weighing approximately 2.8 kg, the SMA is much smaller and lighter than other exoskeletons. It is designed to help users regulate their walking pace and lengthen their stride, particularly for people who can walk but have mild gait deficiencies due to aging or other medical conditions. Researchers at the Chicago Rehabilitation Institute are currently evaluating the use of SMA with task-specific training, comparing it to traditional physical therapy in the outpatient setting, for people who have suffered a stroke. Additionally, soft robotics, an emerging area focused on developing systems that are lighter and more flexible to help people with weakened upper or lower limbs, is also evolving. Currently, groups such as Harvard University [18], Yale University, and ETH Zurich are working on soft material technologies that are made up of polymers, gels, and soft microfluidic electronics that exhibit significant elasticity with the potential to enhance the utility of wearable robotics. Finally, systems that combine functional electrical stimulation, pattern recognition, and brain-machine interfaces are also likely to emerge. All of these technologies have

the potential to work separately or synergistically with exoskeletons, depending on a person's level of injury and rehabilitation goals [9].
