This week on Exoskeleton Report Weekly News (Week #7, Feb 8–14, 2026): new research on back-support exosuits in asymmetric work, major industrial launches and market updates, medical momentum in Türkiye/Egypt, two podcast highlights, astronaut “exosuit trousers,” plus #ExoJobs and upcoming events. Chapters below.

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Exploring the effectiveness of a back-supporting exosuit: Trunk muscle activity and user experience in controlled and real-world shoveling scenarios

Analysis: Most exoskeleton/exosuit studies focus on symmetrical lifting/bending, but this paper tested the HeroWear Apex in asymmetric shoveling and analyzed trunk muscles separately on the “weighted” vs “unweighted” side of the body. Across both a controlled lab protocol (sandbag “shoveling”) and a real-world field task (moving loose dirt), wearing the exosuit significantly reduced lumbar muscle activity on the weighted side (notably erector spinae), while changes on the unweighted side were smaller/mixed, and oblique activity sometimes increased.

FRT Robotics Leads Korea’s Wearable Robot Market

From forest services to first responders, eldercare and logistics workers, FRT Robotics is forging ahead with supporting people (rather than replacing them) and enhancing the sustainability of labor in Korea…

Comau launches MATE-XT GO shoulder-support exoskeleton (Category II PPE, EU 2016/425)

The device provides eight adjustable assistance levels for both arms. Comau states that 3,000 companies already use their exoskeletons and that the MATE-XT GO is Category II Personal Protective Equipment under EU Regulation 2016/425, meaning it is not just self-declared but must undergo EU type-examination by a third-party Notified Body.

CYBERDYNE hosted a Türkiye-based cybernics/healthcare event (Jan 30, 2026) as part of its regional partnership push.

Analysis: This is a clear signal of a larger trend of rising interest in exoskeleton technology in Turkey, both for medical and occupational applications.

Meanwhile, Syrebo has a similar story of a successful event in Egypt at the ECU-CRACM Joint International Pharmacy Conference, again indicating the rise of interest in exo and exo-similar wearable technology in the region.

ExR has its very first non-exoskeleton producer corporate tier supporter: RoboGolfPro! Synergistic human-machine interaction can extend beyond wearable technology, and financial support is much appreciated!

Exoskeleton Report is funded by readers and sponsors who want objective, high-signal coverage of wearable robotics. With the newest corporate supporter joining the ExR family, I’m continuing to grow the publication while keeping the newsletter accessible to everyone. If you’d like to support the mission, please consider becoming a Patreon member. Every membership helps.

Episode 25: Stanley’s Approach to Exoskeleton Implementation – Right Application or Dusty Cupboard

Our first-ever podcast episode of an integrator’s hands-on experience with occupational exoskeletons: task matching, communicating with workers, making a positive difference in the world, and much more!

The Practical Science of Biomechanics: Movement Insights from Dr. Kota Takahashi

In this conversation, Dr. Kota Takahashi from the University of Utah discusses his journey into biomechanics, the importance of technology in research, and the values that guide his mentorship style...

Robotic ‘exosuit trousers’ could aid astronauts on future missions

Analysis: Exoskeletons in Spaaacccceeee! Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing a soft pneumatic exosuit to be worn under spacesuits, aiming to help astronauts walk more naturally and reduce lower-limb fatigue on Moon and Mars missions.

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