In the UK, Kevin uses a Hapo BR exoskeleton to relieve back pain.

In the UK, Kevin uses a Hapo BR exoskeleton to relieve back pain.

In the UK, Kevin uses a Hapo BR exoskeleton to relieve back pain.

After several decades working in physically demanding jobs, certain aches and pains can gradually become part of everyday life. In the UK, Kevin, a carpenter by trade and a former firefighter, decided to try a Hapo BR exoskeleton to support him in his work and reduce the strain placed on his back.

His experience, shared by our UK distributor Future Mobility, illustrates a situation faced by many professionals: working days that place significant demands on the back, particularly when bending, handling loads or maintaining demanding postures for extended periods.

A physically demanding job that puts significant strain on the back

Kevin has spent his professional life working in physically demanding roles. After starting out in the construction industry as a carpenter, he went on to spend 30 years working in the fire service.

Over the years, these physically demanding activities placed significant strain on his body. For Kevin, the most sensitive area is now his lower back.

He explains that the discomfort would often become noticeable towards the end of the day, with a pinching sensation developing in his lower back and a need to stretch to regain some comfort.

This is a common situation in many physically demanding jobs. Repeated bending, working in a forward-leaning position, lifting and handling loads, and maintaining certain postures for extended periods can all increase the strain placed on the back throughout the working day.

Why try a back exoskeleton?

Faced with this situation, Kevin turned to Future Mobility, the UK distributor of the Hapo BR.

The team suggested that he try the Hapo BR, a passive exoskeleton designed to support the body's movements and provide targeted assistance to the back.

Unlike a powered device, the Hapo BR operates without a battery or motor. Its assistance is based on a mechanical spring-rod system and vertical traction, helping to redistribute some of the forces exerted on the upper body towards the hips.

The aim is not to replace the user's physical capabilities or enable them to carry heavier loads. Rather, the exoskeleton provides additional physical assistance, designed to reduce certain biomechanical strains associated with postures and movements performed at work.

Kevin carrying a large, flat stone
Hapo BR exoskeleton

Hapo BR: targeted assistance for the back

The Hapo BR is a lightweight, non-motorized work exoskeleton, specifically designed to support the back.

Its design combines two textile belts with a composite spring system. When the device is activated, it provides assistance through vertical traction, helping to reduce the strain placed on the back.

This design allows users to maintain a high degree of freedom of movement while benefiting from support during activities that place particular demands on the back.

The Hapo BR weighs less than one kilogram in its lightest configuration and can be put on in less than a minute. It is also designed to fit a range of body shapes and sizes, thanks to several size combinations.

What Kevin experiences in his day-to-day work

After using the Hapo BR, Kevin reports a significant difference in his day-to-day experience. Whereas he previously tended to finish his days with discomfort in his lower back and a need to stretch, he says he feels more comfortable when wearing the exoskeleton.

In particular, he describes a feeling of support as he moves and an improvement in his posture while working.

For Kevin, the benefits of the device therefore go beyond occasional comfort. Above all, it helps him continue carrying out physical work that he enjoys, with assistance adapted to his needs.

This is one user's experience, and the benefits reported can vary depending on the individual, the tasks performed, the postures involved and the conditions of use. Since every workplace situation is different, testing an exoskeleton in real working conditions remains an essential step in determining whether it is suited to the job and the user's needs.

« The exoskeleton actually stretches me out and helps my posture, and just lets me carry on doing the job I love »

Contact one of our experts

Our team is here to help you assess your needs and arrange on-site trials, giving your employees the opportunity to experience the benefits of exoskeletons in their actual working environment.

Contact an expert

Contact one of our experts

Our team is here to help you assess your needs and arrange on-site trials, giving your employees the opportunity to experience the benefits of exoskeletons in their actual working environment.

Contact an expert