1. Apex reduces the strain on back muscles.
Back muscle strain reductions of 14-43% and muscle fatigue reductions of 29-47% have been validated by studies from multiple universities and backed up by user-reported data from companies using it in the field.
2. The Apex reduces compression force on spinal discs.
Studies from multiple academic institutions, using various methodologies, have shown that exosuits like the Apex reduce spine compression force.
3. The Apex reduces muscle fatigue & increases endurance.
Laboratory and field studies have each found evidence of less back muscle fatigue. One lab study found a reduction of 29-47% with improved user endurance when wearing an exosuit.
4. The Apex reduces bodily discomfort on the back and knees.
Field study data from 336 Apex 2 users across different industries indicates, on average, 34% reductions in low back discomfort and 27% reduction in knee discomfort.
5. The Apex reduces overexertion injury risks.
A study of Apex users working for more than 281k hours showed no back injuries reported during a period when historical data would have predicted 10.5. Additionally, ergonomic assessment tools and field study data give us reason to have confidence that these results are not anomalous.
6. The Apex makes lifting easier.
Data from a combination of military studies, university studies, and HeroWear field studies from hundreds of users has reliably shown that users feel the Apex exosuit makes lifting easier.
7. The Apex is comfortable for daily work.
We published the first-ever scientific peer-reviewed study characterizing the comfort limits of exoskeleton forces and this drove our design philosophy. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have reported that workers are satisfied with the comfort of the exosuit.
8. The Apex doesn’t increase muscle demands on other parts of the body.
Independent studies by multiple universities all found that abdominal muscle activity does not increase when wearing the Apex and there is no adverse effect on other muscles.
9. The Apex hasn’t been found to adversely affect stability, balance, or fall risk.
Independent academic studies found that the Apex did not negatively impact walking balance, nor did it increase the risk of falling due to slip or trip perturbations.
10. The Apex fits into work & is well-accepted by workers.
HeroWear-led field studies (N=379) have shown that 87% of Apex 2 users report being able to perform all job tasks while wearing the exosuit. Studies from Pennsylvania State University and SAIF, an insurance company based in Oregon, have also concluded that the Apex system is a good fit for jobs involving prolonged bending or ground-level work.
11. The Apex is preferred over rigid exoskeletons in various jobs & industries.
In the last few years, the occupational exoskeleton field has come to the collective realization that the biggest barriers to adoption are not related to physical assistance, but rather to comfort and movement interference. Studies from Pennsylvania State University and Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Technology found that soft exosuits better fit processes and were more accepted among users.