*This article related to French financial aids only*
Introduction
Integrating exoskeletons can have a cost for businesses, regardless of their field of activity, size or the people concerned. However, there are a few rare financing mechanisms that can help integrate these technologies, but in very specific cases. Internal financing is still the norm today.
In this article, we first present the three standard financing approaches (CAPEX, OPEX, credit) and then we detail the procedure for RQTH employees, before offering you 3 financial paths to explore for prevention projects. For each device, you will find practical advice to start your process.
Corentin Walker (biomedical engineer) and Stéphanie Tomme, (ergonomist and occupational health nurse) have used their experience to guide you through each of the processes.
1. Standard Exoskeleton Financing
In the majority of cases, the company finances the exoskeleton itself, especially if it is a tool for the prevention of MSDs and arduous work. In this case, there are 3 accounting methods, which are presented below.
In investment (CAPEX)
Financing through capital expenditure (known as CAPEX) consists in buying the exoskeleton as a sustainable good. This approach makes it possible to register the equipment as a company asset. This is often the choice made by purchasing departments or by industrial departments.
👍 Advantages: long-term visibility; accounting amortization; valuation of material assets.
👎 Disadvantages: Impact on cash flow
In credit or leasing (with the bank)
When the company wants to preserve its cash flow, it can contact its bank to obtain a credit or lease. This credit allows you to pay the supplier in 1 installation, then to reimburse the amount in several installments to the financing organization.
👍 Advantages: Installation payment therefore preserves cash flow, strengthening the company's assets.
👎 Disadvantages: Has an impact on your debt ratio
In charge of operations (OPEX)
Other companies choose financing through operating expenses (called OPEX) through financial leasing. The company pays monthly rent for the exoskeleton, as a service.
👍 Advantages: installation payment in the form of a charge therefore deducted from the company's taxable income; often includes services (e.g. maintenance, updating); no impact on the debt ratio, flexibility
👎 Disadvantages: No accounting valuation based on assets, requires a financing agreement by the financial leasing partner.
Pauline Giraud from Defilease, an expert on the subject of Leasing, explains the interest of OPEX in financing exoskeletons: “Leasing has become established in companies for the financing of technological assets, because it makes it possible to smooth the load, to have the latest equipment, thus promoting employees and the company's image. Technology is moving so fast today that this means of financing allows you to stay at the forefront without impacting the company's cash flow. Exoskeletons are a perfect fit for this use case.”
📌 The advice of Iapetus: Work closely with your purchasing department or accountant to choose the formula that fits your business strategy.
Exoskeleton financing grants are rare, variable, often difficult to obtain and reserved for specific cases. If your situation does not clearly correspond to the criteria, it is better not to devote too much time to it: each month of waiting is one more month with an increased risk of MSDs, accidents or disengagement in your teams.
In the next section, we present the ways you can explore to finance exoskeletons for your employees with disabilities.
2. Financial assistance to integrate exoskeletons for RQTH employees (update 2026)
The Recognition of the Quality of Disabled Worker (RQTH) gives rise to several mechanisms. Among them, the financing of equipment for a post office in order to offer him physical support and allow him to extend his professional activity. The processes vary according to the profile of the company.
For companies with a disability mission that have an AGEFIPH approved agreement:
If your company has signed an approved agreement with AGEFIPH, the company has a budget envelope dedicated to employees affected by disabilities. This budget can cover post adaptation expenses, including the acquisition of exoskeletons.
📌 Who to contact: The person in charge of the disability mission or the disability referent in your structure.
For companies under the general regime (companies or associations) and for self-employed workers:
The new FIPU protocol (via CARSAT)
The Investment Fund for the Prevention of Occupational Wear (FIPU) is a CARSAT device to finance actions to prevent ergonomic risks in companies. One of its objectives is to preserve the health of the most exposed employees.
📌 In order to check the eligibility of your structure, you can Refer to this health insurance brochure.
Since January 01, 2026, for situations of continued employment with RQTH, it is possible to apply for the FIPU. Below is the protocol.
0. Prerequisites: The employee concerned has already obtained recognition as a disabled worker.
1. FIPU pre-request on the FIPU website, by integrating:
- Documents provided by Cap Emploi attesting that the employee is well supported in maintaining employment.
- The estimate corresponding to the equipment envisaged.
2. CARSAT response, Within a period of 48 hours to a maximum of one week, CARSAT sends an opinion (positive or negative) concerning treatment. In case of agreement, this corresponds to a Subsidy reservation.
Have the AGEFIPH supplement financed
In the event of a positive opinion from CARSAT for FIPU financing, you can request the intervention of AGEFIPH to obtain financial assistance on the rest of the expenses.
All you have to do is then send the grant reservation document to Cap Emploi.
Alternatives to the FIPU protocol: contact AGEFIPH directly
If you do not meet the FIPU conditions or if the financing is not granted by CARSAT, you have one option: you can file an application with AGEFIPH directly.
AGEFIPH can participate in financing the purchase of an exoskeleton to compensate for a functional limitation related to the position. The request is based on a file and an ergonomic analysis of the workstation.
📌 Who to contact: Option 1, Job Cap, if you want to be supported by experts, who will be in charge of analyzing your situation, assembling your file, and soliciting the right people at the right time of the project. Option 2, AGEFIPH, if you want to manage the file directly.
For public sector structures:
The FIPHFP (Fund for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities in the Public Service) fulfills the same role as the AGEFIPH for public institutions. It can finance the development of a public post, through the acquisition of technical aids, including exoskeletons, on medical proof.
📌 Who to contact: Option 1, Job Cap, if you want to be supported by experts, who will be in charge of analyzing your situation, assembling your file, and soliciting the right people at the right time of the project. Option 2, the FIPHFP, if you want to manage the file directly.
3. Funded the integration of exoskeletons for the prevention of MSDs
TMS and QVCT calls for projects
There are all sorts of TMS and QVT calls for projects that support businesses, and could help you finance exoskeletons.
For example, in the personal care sector, the ARS launched the call for projects
“CLACT” to improve working conditions in health institutions. Plans are also launched by local authorities, for “industry 4.0" type plans.
📌 Japet's advice: stay up to date with news in your sector of activity and your geographical area. If necessary, contact networks and institutions to be informed if applications are opened. Finally, target the themes that really correspond to your project to maximize your chances.
Local Aid for Small Businesses and Artisans
It is not uncommon for communities of municipalities to launch grants to equip professionals in their area.
Their objective is to boost local activity by modernizing work tools, and at the same time by maintaining the health of entrepreneurs.
The amounts vary depending on your community, your activity and the time of year.
📌 Who to contact: Your Town Hall, the Community of Municipalities, or the Chamber of Trades and Crafts.
Your Health Insurance or Complementary Health Insurance
Do not hesitate to contact your mutual insurance company or your complementary health insurance company. Indeed, some organizations sometimes fund innovation programs in which exoskeletons could be included.
As evidence of the effectiveness of exoskeletons against solidified MSDs, these organizations are more and more likely to promote exoskeletons in occupational health and to help you integrate them into your business to combat AT/PD.
📌 Who to contact: Ask the customer support manager who takes care of your company's account.
What to remember about grants to finance professional exoskeletons in companies
👉 Exoskeleton financing is still mostly based on the company's internal resources (CAPEX, OPEX or credit). This is the fastest and most manageable way to acquire this type of equipment.
👉 Assistance exists but is rare, targeted and difficult to mobilize: it mainly concerns cases of continued employment, situations of recognized disabilities or specific local mechanisms. If you get into one of the cases presented in this guide, you can mobilize resources methodically. Anticipate, structure your case, and contact the right people to maximize your chances.
⚠️ Don't wait for a grant to take action: every month lost can expose your teams to avoidable risks. An exoskeleton is an investment, but above all a concrete lever for improving working conditions.
