HeroWear Apex 2 Back-Assist Exosuit

The HeroWear Apex 2 Back-Assist Exosuit is designed to assist persons who frequently perform tasks that require lifting and sustained or repeated bending, yet without restricting movement. The non-powered, textile-based exosuit, which weighs less than 3 pounds, can reportedly alleviate 20-40% of strain off a user’s back while reducing fatigue as much as 40%. Its elastic bands stretch as back, thigh, and leg muscles extend during movements, then recoil as those muscles contract, returning energy and assisting with the bending motion. The bands are designed to work like an extra set of back muscles, move with the user, and reduce forces on spinal muscles and discs each time the user bends forward or squats down. The exosuit is entirely mechanical with no motors or batteries, and the assistance can be adjusted or turned on or off with a single switch at the user’s shoulder.

Cost: $1,499

Impairment Category: Back, Strength/endurance, Upper extremity