SUPPORT JACKET Bb+

Description

The SUPPORT JACKET Bb+ is based on joint research conducted with Kanazawa University (Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan). The research was based on the practical needs and opinions of more than thousands of companies. Focusing on the wearer’s (user’s) perspective, the company focused on a posture that reduces strain on the lower back and body when lifting and unloading loads, standing, or working in a half-backed or forward-leaning posture. The result is an exoskeleton equipped with three innovative functions:

• Form navigation function:
  The uniquely developed Bb+ (Backbone Plus) guides the spine and lower back into an ideal posture. Additionally, by reducing the stooping posture associated with work, it reduces the significant strain placed on the back and hips.
• Lumbar support function:
  The large belt stabilizes and protects the lower back, and wraps around the spine, abdominal muscles, and back muscles to maintain abdominal pressure, reducing the strain on the lower back and spine during work.
• Muscle function:
  A muscle belt is worn from the knees to the waist to support leg muscles. It assists in bending forward and getting up while working, reducing the strain on the user’s muscles.

Regions and or countries where the exoskeleton can be purchased?

Worldwide

Relevant studies:

Pressure measurements on lumbar discs, measured pressure on when raising a 10 kg load from the floor to a desk. Assuming that the wearer is 172 cm tall and weighs 64 kg. Verification method: The company utilized 10 healthy adult males raise and lower 10 kg weight for 30 times in 10 minutes according to a metronome. Participants did the same for both cases of wearing the jacket and not, which were recorded in a video. The team then analyzed the angles of the neck, trunk, and knees of the participants from the video and assessed the data with the REBA method recommended in ISO/TR12296, international standards for evaluating occupational lower back pain.

Observed results:

• Forward tilt angle for lifting motion from the floor. Without exo: 66.6°, With PROⅢ : 49.1°
• Improved trunk forward tilting angle when wearing the SUPPORT JACKET Bb+
  Reduced by 13.2°- 17.5°(Momentary load pressure reduced by 18.3 kg – 22.5 kg)
• Pressure reduction effect on lumbar disks when repeating the same movement 100 times for five days.
  Reduction of 11,228kg（approx. 11.2t）(Further effect can be obtained for more frequent movement)

Best suited for:

Individuals with a height between 150-190 cm (4′ 11” to 6’2″)

Weight of the device:

500 g (1.1 lb)

UPR Corporation / Virgo Wave Inc., JS-Tsukishima Bldg, 2-6-9, Tsukuda chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, website

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