The Weight Is Over

Won’t the Apex cause atrophy?

There is no evidence that exos have caused, or will cause, muscles to atrophy. For example, employees in warehouses have to lift and move 25-pound boxes. For workers wearing the Apex, they feel more like 15-pound boxes. That still requires plenty of effort, but even slight reductions in strain and fatigue makes a significant difference over time.

Also, muscle atrophy can occur when there is too little or too much muscle activation. That means overexertion can lead to muscle atrophy – as well as minimal muscle use after an injury. The purpose of the Apex is to keep workers in that healthier “sweet spot.”

Doesn’t the Apex just shift forces to other parts of the body?

No, this is a misconception of how exos function. Exos use leverage to do the mechanical work more efficiently. They allow your body to do the same amount of physical work—for instance, to lift a box—but with lower forces applied to bones, muscles, and joints.

The Apex is not meant to encourage employees to do even more work. It is designed to reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, help combat overexertion and fatigue over the course of a work shift, and improve people’s lives.

How do you know that the Apex is effective?

The Apex is backed by peer-reviewed science, and developed through rigorous testing both in the lab and in the field. It quantitatively reduces back strain, fatigue, and risk of musculoskeletal injuries from bending and lifting.

What was considered when designing the Apex?

Human-focused design factors, including high-tech, breathable fabric, and padding and slip-resistant features in the right places to comfortably conform to wearers’ bodies. An exosuit that continually gets in the way isn’t practical for active workers.

Can you turn the Apex off?

There’s a proprietary on/off clutch that lets you quickly turn assistance on or off at the push of the button – giving you assistance when you need it and getting out of your way when you don’t.

How should the Apex be viewed in the larger safety program?

Exosuits are a complementary new tool in the ergonomics and safety toolbox that can be utilized with traditional engineering, administrative, and behavioral controls. Exos like the Apex are becoming part of a comprehensive health, ergonomics and safety program.

How do I know that the back-assist exosuit is right for my employees?

Consider the primary movements of your workers, what injuries are prevalent or where your workers are sore day in and day out. Then look into the exos that provide that kind of support.

How is the Apex different from exoskeletons in the past?

There have been major advances in the last five to 10 years, including models that are much lighter weight, lower profile, and more like clothing. For example, the Apex is textile-based and only weighs 3.4 pounds. Exos are not as clunky and obstructive as they used to be.

What sizes are available for the Apex?

The Apex has a modular design, enabling an unprecedented range of sizes – with over 50 fit combinations, including a full range of female-specific fits.

Is there any sort of training involved in adopting the Apex?

Our customer service and support teams will help you with everything — from assembly and fitting to training and storage. See Adopting Exos Is Easier Than Ever (below) for more information.

How complicated is the Apex to put on and take off?

It’s quite simple, actually. You can leisurely put it on in 30 seconds and take it off in 10 seconds.

Does this give workers superhuman strength?

Beware of grandiose statements about exosuits, such as claiming they will turn your workers into human forklifts. In reality, the workers are still lifting, bending, and reaching, but the Apex helps assist active workers to help reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.