Technology Overview
Caregiver Power-Assisted Exoskeleton can be donned within 60 seconds and reduces lumbar load during lifting by up to 25%.
In super-aged societies, the pressure on long-term care systems is rapidly increasing. Caregivers frequently bend, lift, and turn patients, exposing themselves to occupational injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders and chronic lumbar strain. Still, existing commercial assistive devices are cumbersome to don/doff and restrict mobility. In collaboration with long-term care facilities, ITRI has developed the Caregiver Power-Assisted Exoskeleton, which offers frontline caregivers a lightweight solution with high maneuverability and physical protection.
Applications & Benefits
Featuring a composite design that integrates soft fabrics with structural components, this device ensures both support and breathability. It can be donned within 60 seconds and is optimized for a wide range of body types. The power-assisted module reduces lumbar load during lifting by up to 25%. Along with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and a dedicated mobile app, the exoskeleton can detect poor posture in real time and provide alerts. This technology has been applied at two long-term care centers in Taiwan, helping reduce occupational injury risks and improve caregiver retention.