An active exoskeleton to prevent lower back pain

Musculoskeletal disorders of the back represent a major challenge in the workplace. The active exoskeleton Japet.W+ has been designed to relieve and prevent lower back pain during manual handling and difficult postures. It is a lightweight, motorized, adjustable back support that follows the natural movements of the torso. Recent studies highlight its benefits for the lumbar spine and users. For example, a scientific article shows that participants suffering from lower back pain experience a significant reduction in their pain when wearing the exoskeleton.

In the workplace, the active assistance of the Japet.W+ allows for easier lifting of heavy loads while protecting the back. The integrated motors generate pulling forces on the spine, reducing the load on the intervertebral discs. Biomechanical simulations confirm that the exoskeleton lowers intradiscal pressure by up to 40% compared to normal conditions. This decompression is particularly pronounced during torso rotations or handling tasks performed at moderate angles (0°–20°).

Scientific Evidence of Effectiveness

Numerous recent studies have measured the impact of the Japet.W+ on pain and posture. The results are very encouraging:

Reduction in lower back pain: Among operators suffering from lumbar pathologies (chronic or acute lower back pain), 85% of users reported a decrease in pain by the end of the week in which they wore the exoskeleton. Similarly, among subjects with no previous history of lower back pain, 50% reported a decrease in daily pain when using the Japet.W+. These figures, obtained in real work situations (with daily pain recordings on a VAS scale), demonstrate the beneficial effect of active assistance on user perception.

Maintaining Muscle Activity: Unlike a passive device that would negate muscle work, the Japet.W+ is designed to synchronize its assistance with the user's movements. Thus, preliminary studies indicate that the activity of abdominal and lumbar muscles remains virtually unchanged during tasks with the exoskeleton. In other words, wearing the Japet.W+ does not lead to "muscle unloading" and does not weaken the torso muscles, which preserves the operator's physical capabilities in the long term.

Improvement in Posture: Dynamic assistance helps to adopt safer postures. A Japet study (ongoing) showed that equipped operators spend **85% less time in dangerous backward angles** compared to working without an exoskeleton. In practice, this means that the exoskeleton discourages extreme positions (very bent or twisted torso) by rebalancing the pulling force. This improvement in posture translates to less strain on the lumbar vertebrae and a reduced risk of injury over the course of the day.

Technological Advantages of the Japet.W+

The Japet.W+ stands out with several key features :

Active and motorized exoskeleton: Equipped with four micro-motors, it provides real-time active assistance to the lower back. The movements of the torso are tracked by sensors, allowing for smooth synchronization of the assistance. The ergonomic design of the belt promotes prolonged wear (installation in ~30 s) and adjusts to different body types.

Lightweight and Autonomous: The Japet.W+ version weighs about 2 kg (battery included). Its rechargeable battery offers an autonomy of approximately 8 hours of continuous use, sufficient for a typical workday. The "second skin" (textile cover) is detachable and washable, ensuring hygiene and comfort.

Adjustable: The exoskeleton adjusts in height and width on the worker's body. It functions well in both standing position and when bending the torso or rotating, while remaining discreet under work clothes.

Versatile Use: Initially designed for prevention in the workplace, the Japet.W+ is also indicated in the rehabilitation and return to work of patients suffering from lower back pain. It is certified as a medical device, the result of R&D collaborations (notably with Lille University Hospital) 

Thanks to its intelligent motorization, the Japet.W+ maintains mobility of the lower back during handling. For example, during load lifts or storage in a warehouse, the user can perform their natural movements without being hindered by the equipment. This freedom of movement, while benefiting from active lumbar support, contributes to the safety and comfort of the employee.

Applications and Availability

The Japet.W+ exoskeleton is aimed at health and safety managers, ergonomists, and employers concerned about the health of their teams. It is particularly suited for industrial, logistics, construction, agri-food sectors, or any profession requiring manual handling efforts or challenging postures. In Canada, the device is distributed by Exosquelettes Canada.

Conclusion and Call to Action 

In summary, the Japet.W+ is presented as an innovative technological solution to prevent and relieve lower back pain in the workplace. Associated scientific studies indicate a notable reduction in lumbar pressure (up to 40%), a decrease in pain for the majority of users, while preserving posture and muscle engagement.

Do you wish to assess the impact of the Japet.W+ in your company? Demonstrations and trials are available at Exosquelettes Canada. Do not hesitate to contact our team to arrange a personalized presentation: discovering the exoskeleton in action is the best way to see its concrete advantages in the field.