Iron Men Approaching: Company to Release Workplace Modular Exoskeletons by 2018

A company aims to release "workplace" versions of its hallmark modular exoskeleton. The armor can reduce muscle force needed for hard labor by 2.5 times, with a medical version to be available in 2018.

People can recognize SuitX as the company that makes exoskeleton for people with disabilities. A spin-off of the University of California, Berkeley, it has now created a trio of devices that uses the same technologies to enhance the skills of able-bodied workers. Their new set of exoskeleton aims to prevent common workplace injuries.

According to Next Big Future, SuitX's Modular Agile eXoskeleton (MAX) has three components: bacX, shoulderX, and legX. These can lower the forces of different joints and muscles and can be worn together or separately in order to help with lifting, carrying, and other repetitive manual tasks.

The system gradually increases the support force during lifts and equally distributes the weight of objects across the system. It's also heavily adjustable, being able to fit an assortment of dimensions.

New research from Berkeley indicates that the new system can reduce the muscle force required to complete tasks by as much as 60 percent. The MAX also won two Saint Gobain Nova Innovation Awards for its design and impact.

The system aims to provide a flexible exoskeleton solution that adapts to a variety of tasks. The result is a system that can allow workers to complete tasks involving shoulders, lower back, and legs while avoiding injuries at the same time. SuitX also wants their suits to be comfortable enough for everyday use.

All modules "engage" when you need them to and stops when you don't. This means ascending and descending stairs and ladders, biking and driving are not interrupted by the exoskeleton.

SuitX said it conducted field evaluations in the U.S. and Japan in various fields, such as construction, material handling, shipbuilding, airport baggage handling, and foundry. The workplace exosuit appears to be already available, while its medical version should be available in early 2018.