Robotic exoskeletons are rapidly transforming healthcare, industrial labor, and military operations by enhancing human physical capabilities through integrated sensors, actuators, and AI-driven control. While technical advancements have received substantial attention, the ethical, social, and legal dimensions remain critically under-examined. This literature review synthesizes current research to highlight key concerns: ethical issues of autonomy, privacy, and fairness; social challenges involving access, dependency, and perceptions of ability; and legal ambiguities under international humanitarian law, particularly regarding Article 36 of Additional Protocol I. Military applications, such as the MAXFAS system, raise urgent questions about accountability, regulation, and human enhancement in warfare. By identifying these interdisciplinary gaps, this study offers a foundational framework for guiding responsible and inclusive exoskeleton development across all domains. © 2026 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved.

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