Description

Archelis (occupational/industrial product line, including archelisFXstick / archelisFX / archelis) is a purely mechanical lower-limb exoskeleton (“assist suit”) designed to support prolonged standing work by redistributing load through the feet, shins, and thighs. It provides selectable modes to balance mobility and standing support, aiming to reduce leg fatigue and lower-back strain during standing-intensive tasks.

We know that chairless-chairs like the Archelis are not a new technology, thanks to Ray Hu at Core77.com, who has a phenomenal article on the 40-year history of the Chairless Chairs: Who Knew? The Wearable Chair Was Actually Invented 37 Years Ago. These exoskeletons are based on decades of prior research to allow people to sit in nearly any situation. The Archelis and similar devices have been recorded being used in factories, surgical rooms, and public transportation.  It is designed to reduce fatigue from prolonged standing.

While the concept may be old, the potential for ROI is there. As people get fatigued, our concentration on the task we may be performing decreases. Imagine a brain surgeon performing a delicate procedure for multiple hours, standing over you. Would you want to have the surgeon pay undivided attention to you or have them think of how much their legs are starting to ache?

Archelis, for industrial use, is a non-powered, wearable lower-limb support system intended for workers who must stand for long periods. The device attaches to each leg independently and is designed to allow users to move around without removing it, while shifting a portion of the body’s load from the soles of the feet to the shins and thighs to reduce fatigue and discomfort.

The design intent is for the Archelis to:

• Allow the user to work prolonged periods of time while standing without any burden on their legs & lower back
• Maintain freedom to walk and move while wearing the exoskeleton
• No battery or other energy source is required; this is a purely mechanical device
• To be worn on various body shapes with a simple adjustment

Specifications:

The Archelis weight changes by model and size (example size M, one leg: 1.8 kg (4.0 lb) archelisFXstick; 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) archelisFX; 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) archelis). Unlike a backpack, the weight is distributed over the entire leg and how it is percieved by the user will vary.

User Limits (age, weight, height, etc.): Wearable height ranges by size:

• S 1.45–1.65 m (4 ft 9 in–5 ft 5 in);
• M 1.60–1.85 m (5 ft 3 in–6 ft 1 in);
• L 1.70–1.95 m (5 ft 7 in–6 ft 5 in)

Max load weight (size L) listed as approximately 115 kg (254 lb) for archelisFXstick / archelisFX and approximately 90 kg (198 lb) for archelis

The Archelis supports three modes of operation:

• Free Mode: Easier to walk than other modes, allows for the knees to bend freely, and there are no restrictions on the legs. However, it does not support a standing position.
• Archelis Mode: allows for walking and for body support with the knees slightly bent.
• Standing Mode: supports the body while standing. On the outside, it may appear like the user is just standing in place, but the passive exoskeleton is actually supporting them.

Archelis Inc, Head Office: 14-16 Torihama-Cho, Kanazawa-ku, City of Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0002, Japan, website

Exoskeleton Report does not endorse one exoskeleton product over another.  The exoskeleton catalog is purely for educational purposes.  The catalog is meant to provide an easily accessible birds-eye view of the exoskeleton industry, and a quick method to sort exoskeletons by type and purpose.  All prices are approximate and are meant to provide a general sense of the cost of the devices.