The Japanese have already started producing some exoskeleton type assistance for the elderly. It works like leg braces and augments the persons ability to move/walk by taking it’s cue from the persons movements.
The power armor/ exoskeleton idea is where this is heading. The systems now are just passive for the most part but the addition of computers, sensors, comm and tracking in the next step in that direction.
As new alloys and composites are developed, actuators and servos become stronger/smaller and some sort of reliable man/machine neural type interface is perfected we’ll see power armor. If the neural interface happens first were more likely to see something more like mechs develop since that reduces the need for ultra compact systems and ultra high strength to weigh ratio armor.
The problem is one of power. Storage systems (batteries) haven’t even begun to keep up with all the other new developing technologies. Sure, you might be able to build some of this stuff but there would be no way to power it except for a LONG extension cord.
Until there’s some fundamental breakthrough on batteries that DRAMATICALLY improves their longevity, output and weight we’ll keep seeing more “storm trooper” types of developments.