Prevent back problems

Exoskeletons for the back

Lifting activities, prolonged standing and, above all, bent posture are very harmful to the back. This is why the (lower) back accounts for 37% of all musculoskeletal disorders. In order to protect this neuralgic point, several systems have been developed that can be used sensibly and successfully for the respective area of application. We will be happy to advise you on which product is most promising for your company.

Back

Feel the difference.

To our exoskeletons for the back area

for people who move loads manually

The exoskeleton for relieving the back

supports your back and hip muscles

transfers the weight of the payload to the hips

is the most versatile exoskeleton solution on the market

stops excessive strain on your back

Avoid back problems

The "widespread disease" Back problems and above all herniated discs are among the most most common causes of incapacity for work. The back is a complex and important part of the human body. It is therefore important to protect it from injury and pain. Exoskeletons are a new technology that can help people to support their back and avoid harmful strain.

Lifting activities, prolonged standing and, above all, bent posture are very harmful to the back. This is why the (lower) back accounts for 37% of all musculoskeletal disorders. In order to protect this neuralgic point, various systems have been developed that can be used sensibly and successfully for the respective area of application. We will be happy to advise you on which product is most suitable for your company.

Avoid back problems with exoskeletons

Back pain is one of the most common causes of absence from work and medical treatment. Studies show that up to 80% of adults suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. The most common causes are:

  • Repeated lifting movements: The risk of back problems is particularly high in professions that regularly require heavy lifting, such as in the construction, logistics and care sectors. Here the Ottobock BackX The exoskeleton can be a valuable aid, as it was specially developed for people who move loads manually and thus relieves the back muscles.
  • Poor posture: Sitting for long periods in poor posture or working in ergonomically unfavourable positions can lead to chronic back problems. The Ottobock Back Exoskeletons are ideal here, as they support the back muscles and thus promote a healthier posture.
  • Excessive load: Overloading due to heavy lifting or incorrect movements puts considerable strain on the back muscles and spine. Exoskeletons such as the Auxivo LiftSuit 2.0 and the Auxivo CarrySuit are designed to support the back and hip muscles and transfer the weight of the payload to the hips, significantly reducing the strain on the back.

 

Long-term effects

Chronic back pain can lead to long-term health problems and a significant impairment of quality of life. Untreated acute back pain can become chronic, which significantly impairs quality of life and ability to work. This not only leads to individual health problems, but also causes considerable economic costs due to sickness absence and reduced productivity.

 

Preventive measures

There are various measures that can be taken to prevent back pain:

  • Ergonomic workplace design: Adaptation of workplaces and workflows to reduce the strain on the back. Exoskeletons such as the Auxivo OmniSuit offer versatile support for different working positions and activities, enabling a more ergonomic way of working.
  • Education and training: Employees should be regularly trained in back-friendly techniques and exercises. We offer specialised training for the use of exoskeletons. These training courses are designed to teach employees how to use exoskeletons effectively and to optimise ergonomic techniques
  • Regular breaks: Short breaks and changes of working position can help to distribute the load more evenly and prevent fatigue. Exoskeletons support this by reducing physical exertion during work and thus reducing the need for more frequent breaks.

Advantages of exoskeletons

Reduction of muscle strain

Auxivo OmniSuit - PerformanceScientific studies have shown that exoskeletons can reduce muscle activity in the lower back by up to 60%, which significantly reduces the risk of injury and strain (SpringerLink) (Fraunhofer IML). These devices act like an external support and distribute the weight evenly over the body, which reduces the strain on the back muscles. Exoskeletons such as the Ottobock BackXwhich was developed for people who move loads manually, and the Ottobock Backwhich was specifically designed to relieve the back.

 

Reduced fatigue and increased performance

Research by Fraunhofer IML and other institutes shows that exoskeletons can reduce fatigue and increase work performance in physically demanding tasks by up to 25% (SpringerLink) (Fraunhofer IML). In practice, this can be seen in various areas of application:

  • logistics sector: Workers report that thanks to exoskeletons, they can lift heavy loads more easily and work for longer periods of time without feeling fatigue or pain. The Auxivo LiftSuit 2.0 supports the back and hip muscles and enables longer working hours without fatigue.
  • construction industry: Construction workers use exoskeletons to reduce the physical strain of overhead work and increase safety. The Auxivo CarrySuit is ideal for transferring the weight of the payload to the hips and thus relieving the strain on the back.
  • care sector: Carers benefit from exoskeletons by providing support when lifting and moving patients, which reduces physical strain and the risk of injury. The Auxivo OmniSuit is the most versatile exoskeleton solution offering comprehensive support for various activities.

Study on the topic: How exoskeletons reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

The study, conducted by Holger Hoffmann, Imke Pitz, Björn Adomssent and Christoph Russmann from the Faculty of Engineering and Health at HAWK Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, analyses the associations, expectations and barriers to the use of exoskeletons in small and medium-sized enterprises. It shows how exoskeletons can reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and highlights the economic benefits as well as the challenges of implementation. The study was published on 17 January 2022. Further details can be found here:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40664-021-00453-7

We have summarised the most important contents of the study

  1. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): In Germany, MSDs cause up to 27% of all production losses due to sickness-related absences.
  2. Cost effectiveness: MSDs caused costs of 17.2 billion euros for the healthcare system and the economy in Germany in 2016.
  3. Exoskeleton insert: Studies show that passive exoskeletons can reduce muscular strain by 10 to 40% during peak loads and by up to 57% during static postures.
  4. Shoulder muscles: Studies show that activation of the shoulder muscles decreases by 16 to 73% during over-shoulder work.
  5. Operational advantages: Companies can increase productivity by up to 30% through the use of exoskeletons.
  6. Cost reduction: Companies can reduce labour costs by up to 20%.


From advice to maintenance

Our exoskeleton service

Our exoskeleton service offers you comprehensive support and covers everything you need: We offer customised advice to find the best solution for your needs, adapt each exoskeleton individually, train your employees to use them safely and take care of regular maintenance and cleaning. We also optimise your production processes to ensure maximum efficiency.

Exoskeletons for the back - an overview
Possible applications

We offer a wide range of exoskeletons for the back that are designed to prevent back pain and reduce physical strain. Our experts will be happy to advise you and help you find the right solution for your needs. Here you will find a short list of our exoskeletons:

Paexo Back is an exoskeleton that has been specially developed to prevent back pain. It provides support for the lower back and is operated using shoulder straps. The Paexo Back can also be used to lift and carry heavy objects. It is also easy to put on and take off and adapts to the shape of the body.

The Paexo Softback is another exoskeleton for the back that has been specially developed to relieve back pain. It offers an ergonomic seat with an innovative distribution of weight on the lower back. This reduces the strain on the lower back and increases mobility.

Auxivo Carry Suit is a different exoskeleton for the back, designed for people with weak lower back alignment. It provides support in the lumbar region and helps you to improve your mobility and lift or carry heavy objects with ease. It is very easy to put on and adapts to your body type.

The Auxivo Liftsuit is an exoskeleton for people with a weak upper body or strong alignment of the shoulders in relation to the lower back. The Auxivo Liftsuit has several adjustment options in terms of durability, strength support and mobility as well as innovative technologies to relieve pressure on the lower back. With this product, people can carry around or lift light to medium loads - without any muscle soreness or fatigue afterwards!

However, exoskeletons for the back offer even more benefits: they help to reduce the risk of injury and increase productivity at the same time. As they are able to support the entire upper body, they not only reduce muscle spasms and lower back pain, but also reduce stress on bones and joints. As a result, workers can work for longer periods without fatigue and get more done than without support.

User cases from our customers

Exoskeletons for the back in use

We are delighted to have made lasting improvements to the health of the backs of employees in many companies. We would like to share some of these success stories with you here. We would like to show you how exoskeletons for the back can also be used effectively in your company.
"We use the technology wisely"
Exoskeletons at Miba Sinter AG
MIBA AG successfully uses passive exoskeletons for the back from Armon Products to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Six employees in the forging department have been using them since 2019.
Exoskeletons as work support
Exoskeletons at WOLF Systembau GmbH
WOLF is one of the first companies in the Construction industrywhich provides employees in the production halls with this form of support. Over 40 exoskeletons are currently in use.
"Avoid injuries & illnesses"
Exoskeletons at HARTL HAUS Holzindustrie GmbH
HARTL HAUS employees in production and assembly have been supported with exoskeletons for some time now. This reduces physical strain by facilitating an ergonomic posture.
Exoskeletons in production and logistics
Exoskeletons at WOLF Systembau GmbH

Here, Alfred Ritirc (Head of Process Management at Lenze Operations Austria) explains why and how exoskeletons are used in practice at the Asten production and logistics site.

Exoskeletons

Your path to the exoskeleton

Preventive products for physical support in various work processes. For more well-being, energy and therefore more performance.

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