Although there are many different exoskeletons on the market and there is considerable variation between the different types, most exoskeletons can be divided into two main groups: active or passive.

Active exoskeletons have their own power source, often a battery-powered motor that moves the exoskeleton, and thus the body, with energy coming from outside. These exoskeletons often aim to respond to the user's movements. They amplify the movement by increasing the force in the direction in which the user has started to move their body. Manufacturers have been somewhat successful in developing active exoskeletons' ability to respond to user input, and in some cases, active exoskeletons have become so good that they work almost seamlessly with the body, providing a sense of freedom and support that feels almost magical.

Some disadvantages of active exoskeletons are that they often require power. The batteries must be charged and therefore have limited usage time. They are often heavier and more complicated than passive exoskeletons, often cost significantly more and in many cases require stricter control and classification. In some cases, they are also larger than passive exoskeletons, but this depends on the manufacturer and area of application. Some active exoskeletons also have slow responses to user input and therefore cannot be used in jobs where you need to move your body at a normal pace. They are therefore better suited for use in more static jobs, such as holding something up for a long period of time.

Passive exoskeletons are not passive in the sense that they do not move or provide power and support to the body, but they have no built-in power source. They usually use energy from the body's movements in one direction to charge springs, elastic bands, air cylinders, etc., which are then returned to the body in the opposite movement. For example, a rubber band on the back is stretched when you bend forward. The energy is then stored in the rubber band. When you want to stand up again, the elastic band helps to lift your body up. The energy actually comes from gravity pulling your body down, not from your body itself. Or it may be that the energy from gravity is stored in an elastic band, spring or air cylinder when you lower your arms towards your body, and is then returned to your body to lift your arms up again.

Passive exoskeletons, such as those from Auxivo, are generally less expensive than active exoskeletons. They require less maintenance and do not have batteries that need charging. In general, they are easier to use than their active counterparts. They are smaller, lighter and protrude less from the body. On the downside, they often provide less support than active exoskeletons.

So, which is best and which should you use? It all depends on what you need and what your budget is. Where will they be used and by whom? There is a lot to consider when choosing an exoskeleton, so it may be wise to talk to an expert to find out what makes the most sense in your case. If you have a lot of space to work in, the work is done in shorter periods, the weight of the exoskeleton is not a major problem and you have a high enough budget to purchase more expensive equipment, then an active exoskeleton may be something to consider. However, if you have limitations in terms of space, funds and the weight of the equipment you want to wear, a passive exoskeleton will often be a better choice.