Swedish Innovations Advance Healthcare with Digital Scent Transmission and Exoskeleton Development

Sweden continues to lead in healthcare innovation with notable advancements in assistive technologies. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have developed a groundbreaking method to send scents digitally, enabling users to experience smells remotely as if present in real life. This technology works by analyzing the chemical components of a scent and transmitting it as a digital signal. Recipients need a specialized 'chemical screen' device to receive the scent, akin to a video screen for digital images. Professor Johan Lundström highlighted the analogy of scent transmission requiring a chemical screen similar to digital video requiring a display.

Meanwhile, developments in wearable robotics are progressing through the Swedish exoskeleton company Skelex and the firm Bioservo AB. Bioservo AB, which acquired Skelex's exoskeleton business, now serves about 200 companies with their Ironhand product line, a robotic glove designed to assist hand function. Skelex, originally founded in Delft in 2013, took over rights to Ironhand in June 2026. The physical robotics sector is shifting focus towards data-driven applications, with companies like Applied Digital transitioning to AI infrastructure under the name ChronoScale.

Despite the efficacy of exoskeleton technology such as Ironhand, the market response has been slower than expected, partly due to lengthy industry evaluation cycles before orders materialize. The American military recently abandoned full-body exoskeleton projects in favor of partial support designs, reflecting a broader industry trend toward assisting specific body parts rather than entire bodies. Notably, Ottobock continues to supply exoskeletons to major corporations including Airbus and IKEA.

Sweden currently acts more as a customer rather than an owner of exoskeleton technologies, influencing investment decisions. Shareholders in one related company received a modest liquidation payout recently, underscoring the challenging commercial environment despite technological progress.

These developments showcase Sweden’s dynamic innovation landscape in healthcare technology, spanning sensory digital experiences and advanced robotics that support physical function.