Repetitive bending and lifting, prolonged standing, and heavy material handling place sustained stress on workers’ musculoskeletal systems—leading to injuries, reduced productivity, and workforce attrition. Despite rapid advances in automation and robotics, many work environments still require practical technologies that directly support human physical capabilities.

Against this backdrop, FRT Robotics developed StepUp NEO based on its philosophy of “human–robot coexistence.” StepUp NEO is a non-powered passive exoskeleton designed to operate without electricity or batteries, while delivering the muscle support and fatigue reduction demanded in real industrial environments.

◆ A Passive Exoskeleton Proven to Reduce Muscle Fatigue by an Average of 43%

StepUp NEO is built on a mechanical assist structure that does not rely on motors or electronic control systems. Instead, it efficiently redistributes and transfers energy generated by the user’s own movements, reducing the load placed on the lower back muscles and joints during specific motion phases.

Its primary function is to effectively lower muscle fatigue and muscle activation during repetitive sit-to-stand motions, forward bending tasks, and processes that require prolonged standing. Empirical validation tests confirmed an average 43% reduction in muscle fatigue and a 25% decrease in muscle activation, indicating a meaningful reduction in physical strain during repetitive tasks.

◆ Freedom of Wear Enabled by Lightweight and Ergonomic Design

Another key strength of StepUp NEO lies in its lightweight exoskeletal design. The system weighs 2.85 kg, or 3.6 kg including the harness. As exoskeleton usability is directly influenced by weight during extended wear, StepUp NEO minimizes user burden by simplifying its structure and applying high-strength, lightweight materials.

Its ergonomic design has also been optimized for field use. With approximately 120 degrees of hip joint range of motion, the system allows users to perform everyday work movements—such as walking, turning, and climbing stairs—naturally and without restriction. The harness length and frame structure can be adjusted to suit different body types and working environments. In addition, the foldable leg-frame design enhances portability and ease of storage, both of which are critical considerations in industrial settings.

◆ Real-World Value Validated Across Industrial Sites

StepUp NEO is not a conceptual prototype, but a field-validated exoskeleton proven through real-world deployment across multiple industries across a wide range of industries, including logistics, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and eldercare. Its passive, non-powered design eliminates the need for electricity or charging, enabling unrestricted use in environments with frequent shift changes, long working hours, or shared equipment among multiple workers.

This design approach increases equipment utilization rates while reducing maintenance and operational burdens, delivering high efficiency from an on-site management perspective.

These characteristics generate tangible value for both companies and workers. For organizations, StepUp NEO can be rapidly deployed without additional infrastructure, lowering adoption and operational barriers. For workers, reduced weight and improved comfort minimize resistance to wearing the device, allowing the exoskeleton to be accepted not as unfamiliar technology, but as a natural extension of everyday work equipment.

Notably, StepUp NEO is designed to feel less like “wearing a robot” and more like “putting on supportive work gear.” This distinction reflects FRT Robotics’ prioritization of real-world usability over technical novelty and explains why StepUp NEO has earned practical recognition across industrial sites.

StepUp NEO is currently offered at a price of USD 1,500 (excluding taxes and duties), reflecting a pricing strategy designed to support realistic adoption at scale in industrial environments.

Company Info.

Email: marketing@frtrobotics.com

Korea Office:  2/3F, 170 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

U.S. Branch: 3003 North 1st Street #221, San Jose, CA 95134

Web Info.

Featured image (top) StepUp NEO Product Image

All photos courtesy of FRT Robotics