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Australian Defence Force personnel will be kitted out with Apex 2 exoskeletons as part of a new program to reduce back injuries from lifting loads.
More than 80 Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army personnel, including No. 23 Squadron troops, have undertaken training with instructors to use the new systems at RAAF Base Amberley from 8 to 9 July.
Wearable technology company HeroWear previously developed the assistive clothing solution to reduce fatigue and physical strain on workers. The non-motorised or battery Apex 2 system reportedly works like an extra set of back muscles by using elastic bands to move with the user and reduce forces on the spinal muscles and discs, according to the company.
“The Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army will be rolling out use of an exoskeleton to help reduce back injuries when lifting loads,” Defence said.
“Soldiers and aviators took part in a training package for the Apex 2 exoskeleton from HeroWear, which may reduce 40 per cent of the load of lifting items, resulting in less strain on the back and legs.
“This can help with both avoiding injury from repetitive tasks and aid people returning to work from injury.
“One application is cargo delivery in locations where loads have to be handled manually rather than with a forklift.
“Squadron Leader Sean Lacy from HQ Combat Support Group developed a training package based on HeroWears materials, and trainers from HeroWear in the US flew out to Australia to conduct training for 80 Air Force and Army personnel at RAAF Base Amberley.”
HeroWear has previously worked with the United States Army on a back-assist device to help protect soldiers both on and off the battlefield, known as the SABER device.
