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We developed a novel active back support exoskeleton to reduce muscle fatigue and prevent injury on the lower back during lifting tasks. The team’s work was published in IEEE Transactions on Robotics on 9 November 2023. This innovation aligns with the broader goal of creating human-centric robotic systems that enhance safety and efficiency in the workplace. Our work made waves behind the scenes of the 2024 National Day Parade (NDP) packing operations. By integrating such assistive technologies, the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders could be reduced while boosting both productivity and wellbeing in the workforce.

The prototype exoskeletons were developed by NUS Biorobotics Lab at the Department of Biomedical Engineering. These suits assist with heavy lifting and repetitive tasks. Solidiers used them for packing 300,000 National Day Parade packs. The exoskeletons have been trialed with baggage handlers at Changi Airport and chemical plant workers. ‘With more societies facing the challenging of an ageing population, we need to start protecting our workers against injury whilst they are young,’ says Assoc Prof Yu Haoyong. Credit: NUS College of Design and Engineering

Soldiers are utilizing exoskeleton suits to do all the heavy lifting while assembling 300,000 parade packs into boxes for Singapore’s National Day. Credit: CNA

NUS Biorobotics Lab prepared a 5.4kg back support exoskeleton for soldiers to carry heavy loads during the packing process By wearing the exoskeleton like a backpack, it eases the physical strain on the soldier’s back and knee joints. Credit: MustShareNews

The exoskeleton is donned like a harness, aidong the soldier’s movements and alleviating strain on the back and joints. This device helps to maintain a comfortable posture for the wearer and lowers the risk of injury when lifting heavy boxes. Credit: The Straits Times

During the NDP packing operation, an exoskeleton suit has made the SAF personnel’s job slightly easier by helping to lighten the loads on his back when carrying boxes. Credit: AsiaOne

As populations age, we need solutions that are able to balance productivity and ensure the health and safety of our workers. Enter XOdian. SGInnovate is working with a team of engineers from National University of Singapore that have devised modular exoskeleton frames to help alleviate the physical stresses of repetitive work. “The idea is to protect our workers from when they are young,” said Professor Haoyong YU, “to prevent them from having long-term upper body or back injuries.” Together with support from our venture-building team, XOdian is looking to launch their company and bring this disruptive product to market. Look out for more news about them on the horizon. Credit: SGInnovate