Description

The Hapo HD is a lightweight, non-motorized back exoskeleton designed to support workers during trunk bending and straightening movements. Worn like a backpack, it assists forward-bending postures and standing-back-up movements to help reduce strain on the lower back, support upright posture, and reduce fatigue during physical work. Hapo describes the device as incorporating an encased “artificial muscle” (rather than a stretchy band) that stores energy when the user leans forward and releases it when support is needed.

The exoskeleton is envisioned for continuous use throughout the workday. It is envisioned for construction, industrial, agricultural, logistics, maintenance, and other physically demanding roles involving repeated or sustained trunk flexion. Hapo’s site specifically notes use cases where workers often perform repeated or prolonged bent-back tasks.

Consistent back assistance across bending angles

The Hapo HD provides continuous, consistent support through back-bending angles. Its fiberglass spring system provides isoelastic assistance, meaning support remains consistent across trunk-flexion angles, unlike elastic-band systems, where resistance increases as the material stretches. Hapo’s technical materials also describe “continuous and consistent support for all back bending angles.” This fiberglass/composite spring technology, housed on the back, is designed to function like an artificial muscle, with a 97–99% energy return ratio (lower material hysterisis), helping ensure that nearly all stored energy is returned when the user needs assistance.

Specifications:

• The Hapo HD weighs approximately 1.1 kg (2.4–2.5 lb)
• Durability testing, including a 4-meter drop test, trunk rollover tests, and 600,000-cycle endurance testing.
• One size fits all: user-height range of 1.55 m to 1.95 m ( 5 ft 1 in to 6 ft 5 in), and thigh-circumference range of 45 – 75 cm.
• Certifications: CE Machinery 2006/42/CE, ISO 9001, EcoVadis, Oeko-Tex, and Made in France references.

How It Works

The Hapo HD consists of shoulder straps and thigh cuffs connected by a rear housing that contains composite/fiberglass spring blades. When the wearer bends forward, the spring system stores energy. That energy is then released to assist the user in maintaining a flexed posture and returning upright, working similarly to the lumbar muscles. The device is non-motorized and requires no battery charging.

Hapo (now separate from ErgoSanté), 28 ZA de Labahou, 30140 ANDUZE, France; website

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