This $1,200 exosuit can take 50 pounds off your back

[@andyaltman5778]

Could you use the Apex in your line of work?

[@tophlaw4274]

Great review Andy... I see this as a boon to any farm where manual labor is still the norm though the price point needs to be greatly reduced for it to be feasible, specially in developing countries where these types of injuries could mean families going hungry.

[@ObeseMurican]

That one guy with a tire and possibly a rim with a full motorized suit was literally only lifting like 50 -60 pounds in an awkward shape and that is me guessing a heavier 33" or 35" tire. So yes if it can't help take atleast 15 pounds off that I would buy that and I'm a diesel tech who asked to do suspension work because I got bored of motor jobs because only my upper body and abs were getting the workout... now I regret it haha.

[@pinustaeda]

As someone who works at a garden center, this could be very helpful when unloading stock from semi trucks or moving large plants for customers.

[@mavigogun]

This device doesn’t reduce working load- at all. So, if you have compression injuries - say, herniated disks, fractured process, etc - this device might actually allow the wearer to impose way more load on their body than without it- and with catastrophic results.

[@NightNurseMike]

@@mavigogun it seems like it would help keep the spinal muscles keep the vertebra aligned in the optimal position to accept a load at the expense of adding a few lbs of compression force on it

[@paulsmith9341]

I'm 66 yo. I did 2 days of labor installing 2 ceiling fans one day and did plumbing work the next. I couldn't get out of bed without serious effort to protect my back. Thank goodness that I am retired as I wouldn't have been able to work all that time. I've had back surgery decades ago and that helped but I am always aware of my fragile back. This xo suit would be perfect for all of the ladder work while carrying buckets of tools and supplies. It looks svelte enough to not get in the way when picking your way through an attic or a basement.

[@JP-gw9ts]

The inventor deserves an award! I hope cheap knockoff’s of this idea don’t sour consumers.

[@HeroWearExo]

@Yazmeli Ayzol The basic concept of a back-support device that is based on elastic bands supporting the back does go back to the 1800s. There have been many attempts to perfect the design over more than 100 years. We've included some pretty advanced design features (including some that are patent-pending) that we're confident make our suit the best at balancing freedom of movement, comfort, and support to make it effective and usable for workers.

[@postandghost9391]

I hope cheap knockoffs do get released! $1200 for some rubber bands and a harness, thats just a joke

[@notaregard]

I should add that the mechanism that releases the band tension might add a bit more cost - but I really can’t see it being much more than I said before.

[@TheOnlyPedroGameplays]

@@postandghost9391 cheap in this case applies to the quality of the materials and creation of the suit. Its worth the price for what you get.

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

@@TheOnlyPedroGameplays Fabric is not expensive. Look at military gear. Cordura is extremely tough and it only costs $12 per yard. I think the company should be allowed to charge whatever they want, but don't fool yourself into thinking the price can't be brought down to $75. The main reason for the price is demand. Even if the thing was cheap, most people are not looking to buy this kind of item. It's the same deal with why night vision and their accessories are so expensive. Very few people are in the market for them.

[@shaneintegra]

Letting people try it is going to take it from "that would be nice to have" To "Me and all my coworkers need this product"

[@HarvickOne]

Love seeing engineers developing products that actually makes live better from the ground up rather than milking money off consumers.

[@7.3powerstroke6]

I bought the hero wear apex and though they claim it does not move pressure to other parts of your body it does, it works very good and DOES REDUCE back pain, HOWEVER it likes to bite into my upper back (the upper strap material and backpack section) and makes my shoulders tired, maybe I have it setup wrong, but I have watched all of their training videos and it hasn't done much, I will continue to wear it as it does reduce back pain but it sometimes gets in the way and gets tiring after a while. I work construction doing concrete.

[@HeroWearExo]

Thanks for buying, and thanks for the feedback. It does sound like there are some adjustments that need to be made. It definitely shouldn't be causing discomfort. Reach out to our support team on our website or at support [at] herowearexo [dot] com and we'll see what we can do for you. The likely source is using support bands that are stronger than you need for the work you're doing. It's a common issue. Sometimes 'less is more' when it comes to finding the balance of support and comfort.

[@Dan-56]

When I was in my 20’s & 30’s I worked building electrical substations. Something like this would have been fantastic for all of the heavy lifting involved. Now in my 60’s I’m paying the price for all that abuse to my back. As production costs come down, hopefully it will put it in a price range where many construction workers could afford to be wearing it 👍.

[@michaelbeleut6480]

Good to see a comment like this as I’ll probably try to prevent back issues. I’m in my early 20s doing heavy physical labor work in landscaping and I’m always lifting rocks and lots of heavy stuff repeatedly. The other day it got to the point where I just collapsed and couldn’t lift myself up for a couple minutes. Maybe it’s just me and my physique but I really need to figure something out.

[@northngb]

This man lowkey looks like linus Sebastian from linustechtips...🤔

[@Horizon__]

Kinda looks like it could be his older brother.

[@andyaltman5778]

@@Horizon__ I think you mean younger brother 😎

[@Horizon__]

@@andyaltman5778 Lol! Great video Linus!

[@fadthetic]

His voice tho 😳

[@aimanrahman5768]

No just the beard

[@twothumbsup9539]

I have been looking into this product for about a month now. Doing a bit of research here and there. I have injured my back quite a few times now , and recently started a small business with one of my good friends that requires a little more back use than previously before. Last night i finally sized one of the suits for myself and made the purchase. I don’t know how to thank CNET enough for this wonderful product review. I can’t wait to tell you how the suit impacts my work life.

[@Turtlenaide]

How has it been

[@Vastfill]

Updates?

[@Chris-be5tr]

I feel like anyone who needs this product, doesn't make enough money to spend 1200 dollars on a purchase like this and not feel financial effects. Sad.

[@LeoLau-ip9bv]

they can save it's not actually that expensive like a MacBook price also they could get like a loan or something

[@willcal2738]

calling it an exosuit is lying, ill give you 100$ for this back brace

[@DrFarisArab]

We should find this in physiotherapy department..love innovation

[@Kilt_Camera_and_Carry]

Looks interesting… A serious RMI injury can cost a worker their livelihood and a company thousands of dollars … This might be an upfront investment to prevent that from occurring … Very interesting indeed.

[@ComdrStew]

Just think of it this way $100 a month for a year. If you do any kind of repetitive lifting work, it is worth it. Too bad they did not have the same system going down the arms. Biggest thing I noticed, I did not like, is the small band going across the front. I think it should have been a little wider.

[@JonathanRuiz]

They need to make it all black. That yellow screams "look at me i'm wearing something weird"

[@HughsReviews]

I was in the warehouse industry for 15 years until I blew out my back. I wish I would have had one of these.

[@floydrudolph321]

Warehouse ? We supply plumbing fittings and pipes. Lots of heavy lifting. All lifting jobs should have compulsory exoskelton equipment. A worker would be less fatigued and more productive.

[@znt_]

"Hmm..." -AmazonBasics

[@chuyistheshiz6811]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Mark-kt5mh]

I would love to see workplace insurance discounts for implanting this.

[@touch9968]

1200 though? That's pricey

[@platoon1081]

Could be they plan to target businesses; required to buy them in attempt to prevent back injury lawsuits. Could become OSHA required if it reduces injuries, i.e. field worker's..

[@autophile525i]

Supply and demand will determine the long run price.

[@arthursharpe9681]

I used to work in the oil and gas industry. Specifically on a service rig where we would travel to various oil wells to make repairs. Setting up these units are very labor intensive. Sometimes rigging in and rigging out on a daily basis. Wish I had one back then. However, the suit would need to be resistant to the crude oil these workers are exposed to.

[@yeltsin6817]

When I was in college and university I worked night crew stocking shelves in a grocery store The average grocery load we would get was close to 30 000 lbs. we would have to put the stock down the aisles near where it went and then go around and lid the cases o to stock trucks and then place into the shelves so in effect lifting everything twice. This would have been amazing

[@8platypus]

Nice, i think having different strength bands would help you customize you lift output.

[@HeroWearExo]

We agree - We make 2 different strengths of bands today, and we just announced a third! :-)

[@khrievokhezhie5188]

"hey and I started to think can the price comes down..coz the prize is heavy I can't lift it up"

[@john_gyver]

Seems quite expensive for a non-powered suit

[@TheAnimeist]

If you think this is expensive. Wait till they install the LED that blinks when the device is engaged.

[@ericlotze7724]

Can it be Integrated with / Used As a Fall Arrest System Harness?

[@SwapnilLonkar]

If it doesn't strain back muscle then which muscle it strains?? Energy have to come from some muscle right?

[@CompositesNG]

This would be really good for Aircraft Maintenance in the Airline Industry

[@lordshampy2835]

One step closer to full automation

[@sety409]

" I wonder if I can invent a device to reduce strain on my back". You mean the glutes?

[@erikkison]

When scientists provide proof that it’s effective than I’ll think about it.

[@peterhamlet1415]

This is science

[@BloodyKnives66]

"TrUst tHe ScIeNcE"

[@seanbrant7631]

Great invention but i think it could be much cheaper

[@madeleinesuzette]

Could you explain the physics of how this stops pressure on the spine please!!

[@RedMatthew]

The hardest part of lifting heavy stuff is the bending back up and lifting part it requires not only your arm muscles but also your back muscles what this does is simply gives you extra "muscle" on your back easing the strain on your actual muscles

[@blakeaustin8835]

One of the best things for chronic low back pain is to increase the strength of the posterior chain.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

It can only do so much

[@jamestaylor954]

Construction workers and Home builders could use this.

[@piplup10203854]

Not gonna lie around that 40 second mark right before you tapped it I was pretty excited, that is one of my favorite scenes, I thought there is no way this thing could mimic that.... but what if and then it didn't and now I'm sadge but the suit is still really cool and reminds me of the back brace I had for a bit lol

[@richardmccombs617]

Interesting but I don’t see a large difference from a posture correcting back brace . I have a couple of these and they have carbon fiber strips that run down the length of spine , strap that tensions your shoulders into proper position and a waist strap that supports the lower back while transferring load to the hips. These are like 20-30 dollars. God send to me, with a fused spine.

[@tranderrick]

the only difference is the technology to turn it on and off. If you wear a back strap, when you are not lifting, its really tight and restrictive.

[@a_Joy_2_cre8]

What if somone has already had a lower back injury and has several vertibe fused. It was moving a box that did it. He is in constant excruciating pain now because of the load his upper back has to take. Could this help him?

[@Burt_Sampson]

1200 is pricey but It’s a worth it investment. You’ll make a lot more being able to work longer and more

[@jimlaheytrailerparksupervi4253]

First, fix your posture and the way you lift before you buy this. Bend at the knees, back straight ffs

[@Kirinketsu_]

lol $1,200 for that, looks like something you could make for $100. This is the problem and why cool ideas never take off, people are trying to get rich quick or hope someone buys them out. Imagine how many of these would be sold if it cost $100, $200, or heck even $300, but nah $1,200 lol

[@chuyistheshiz6811]

I would totally buy

[@iapplethis]

so its basically like fake hamstrings and lower back muscles..

[@dannygomez4271]

And bands. But does it work though

[@agnesziegler1507]

Is there a version without velcros? I'm a gardener, so I come in contact with a lot of earth (some may call it dirt). I think that could be a problem for the longevity of the velcros.

[@kailashkhatiwada3071]

Looks like you need another exosuit to carry and open that case Is there one for that

[@randovids]

It's funny how he grunts when picking up ~45 pounds like it's heavy for him.

[@kathyZ500]

Got anything to ease the shoulder AND back for letter carriers? Something to take the weight of the satchel?

[@enripc]

In the construction will be great

[@WAYNENYC100]

Nice idea, too bad it's using antiquated snap-in buckles for the chest strap. There are modern magnetic buckles that should be considered for this area.

[@R.E.A.L.I.T.Y]

The Brewer guys suits were totally clean & its clearly dirty work. You said they’d tried them for 3 months. Either they weren’t using them for 3 months, they were just cleaned or they were new.

[@dsmith11373]

A thousand pounds is a thousand pounds.

[@hallahgray3190]

That’s a really great idea he should add some spring-loaded knee braces to go along with it.

[@exodiatheforbiddenone8228]

Would this help with squatting or deadlifting or rowing???

[@linusmlgtips2123]

Hey look it's CNET Linus Tech Tips! 🤣 Nice video!

[@kristopherleslie8343]

Haha true

[@LoneWarrior4]

Can this be used for back workouts at the gym?

[@Us3r739]

Can I wear weight lifting gear with this? To further prevent injury?

[@jjlatinopedia]

The US Army needs this. Rucking would be so much easier

[@jjlatinopedia]

@Yazmeli Ayzol Your comment makes absolutely no sense. If, as you state, the exo-suit "increases lifting capacity", then the rucks on our backs wouldn't be as heavy during ruck marches.

[@jjlatinopedia]

@Yazmeli Ayzol How do you get a ruck from off the floor, onto your back? How do you move retired equipment inside a connex, outside for inventory? Magic? Do you pull a Harry Potter wand out of your @ss and whisper "Win-gardia Leviosa"? Gtfoh

[@jjlatinopedia]

@Yazmeli Ayzol Great come-back. You really put me in my place with all those emojis. Welp, there go my feelings.

[@WOLF-gz8yv]

I would love to try this for doing hardwood floors.

[@jasonaguiree7229]

Good for construction is an excellent suit... I really recommend it...ok

[@RagingDingo]

Hey, looks like We’ve got a new Linus

[@Gnor27]

When will be this awailable for around 100 usd?

[@平和-v1z]

Very interesting product! Nice CNET!

[@neosrt10]

Interesting concept but I can see people buying Regular back supports as there are many if not hundreds online that people will they are just as effective as the Apex suit

[@neosrt10]

@Yazmeli Ayzol The exo suit only helps you support weight better and lift for longer periods of time it does not make you stronger or make you lift heavier weight watch the video. So in other words the same function of a back support but takes even more stress off your back.

[@neosrt10]

@Yazmeli Ayzol No one believes you or the creators of exo or cares ..they will buy a back support from Amazon because its cheaper and thats the bottom line.

[@amallica]

Would this put more pressure on your knee's? Would this NOT be recommended for somebody who wants to save their knee's?

[@joshuagreen5820]

Won’t this weaken the muscle that needs to be stronger to do these task safely ?

[@idustie4554]

gotta hit the gym to work out that back. the gym is where one can lift with the proper form and weight distribution. this tool is only to prevent repetitive stresses on the body when performing work. at work the things that need to be lifted are either too heavy or awkward to lift with perfect form

[@HeroWearExo]

It offloads 20-40% of back muscle effort, so you're still doing plenty of work. But it helps avoid over-strain, which can actually cause atrophy too (ask any athletic trainer about 'over training'). The idea is that the worker can stay in the sweet spot of using their muscles without over-using them to the point of strain, pain, and injury.

[@malachite072]

No, that wouldn't even be possible. Muscles don't get weaker from movement.

[@JigilJigil]

$1200 ???!!!!! Materials, fabrics and straps cost them what?! probably less than $100, R&D was free (his students at the university did it) and he is charging people 10 to 15 times more.

[@Kay0Bot]

That's how to make money 101... There also production cost. Can't make all that in just a fabric company. They are also not selling at volume.

[@ROBMACDUI]

$1200 for a non powered brace?

[@AlfonsoRiveraJr]

Love the cost effectiveness of this product in contrast to the otherwise overwhelming actuated/mechanical alternative.

[@ulforcemegamon3094]

Agree , powered exosuits are still hella expensive , and even more for a average person , seeing a weaker but extremely affordable exosuit is great in many aspects

[@TransplantHelper]

It’s almost believable until the guy lifts the hay bale. Ain’t no country boy gonna buy that. Lol 😂

[@asherstelton7828]

Can you try out the IronHand glove from BioServo?

[@adriancarmona6025]

Would it work for water delivery service ?

[@gene978]

How long does it take to put on?

[@gregnulik1975]

High schoolers probably need that more than a new iPhone.

[@mavigogun]

That doesn’t unload the back- AT ALL. Compressed disks receive zero relief.

[@rafdavid19]

I clicked cause I thought he was Linus! Lol

[@de0509]

The infantry probably. If they do something they wont have time or even the ability to recharge a powered suit. And a lot of what they do involve carrying stuff somewhere. And the stuff theyre carrying are usually insanely heavy

[@jamestatad888]

CNET tech tips

[@dmitrym4841]

Great idea

[@thacrypt223]

Is this available in Europe? This is perfect for all kinds of manual labor, from restocking shelves, to gardening work etc.

[@HeroWearExo]

Yes, it is available in Europe. Contact us on our website!

[@heinzslayton6116]

I wonder how it would work for a disabled person who has had 14 back surgeries and needs help to lift things. I could use it to help around the property

[@jacob476]

The focus should be on process improvement, not suits in the case of the brewers. Home care and paramedics would benefit greatly from this. Any job where you are out of hospital and lifting patients

[@Oracio.M.Perata]

You need another exosuit to carry that heavy suitcase containing your exosuit. 😅😪🤧😷

[@Al13n1nV8D3R]

Hey its Linus's evil twin. Or ummm maby his good twin? Because this guy seems a little nicer than the original Linus. LoL

[@RyanBellRyanofWeird]

I work as a janitor and often times have a sore to spasms in my back. I'm thinking it's more due to my age and back injury. I would love one of these!! (If I couldn't get a hold of an Iron Man suit)

[@Gazpolling]

How does it work tho? It looks like it work by making your back more rigid, wont there be any side effects of that?

[@HeroWearExo]

It doesn't make the back more rigid at all. It still allows full freedom of movement. Check out our KZbin channel for a few explainers that walk through how the suit works.

[@vincentfrutig8460]

he looks like a walmart version of linus tech tips

[@framingmachine3950]

framing carpenters i really could use this. this is the best tech i ever seen. how can i purchase one?

[@aeonturnip2]

Very cool, but I hope they've got this all patented as there's going to be a whole load of knockoff versions on eBay before long at 1/10th the price.

[@Al13n1nV8D3R]

Gotta love / hate the chinese. Patent or not the Chinese will still clone it. They do not care. All they care about is personal gain at the expense of others.

[@Kay0Bot]

@@Al13n1nV8D3R capitalism at it's finest

[@yangguan4070]

It's like post tensioning for bridge

[@manjumanl222]

I need it ,by I'm afraid getting bullied .

[@platoon1081]

If the beer makers reduced 30# off their stomach area their back problems might improve....

[@Haider-mk7nm]

Cool idea

[@alanhaggerty7466]

I hope that they partner with SALA/3M for work harnesses for this capability

[@johnjack766]

I wonder if will help bucking wood and carrying logs..

[@larryparrish2123]

So that's what Batman has been wearing all this time! LOL

[@akulavinodhbabu1637]

please provide herowear apex exosuit online product purchase world wide sir

[@joanstevenson5240]

Have you checked out the patent and articles by Dr. Mohammad Abdoli of Ryerson University? I think his design is better with more science behind it. Wearers will eventually feel handicapped by the external forces on their thighs.

[@leonnewhall7088]

$1,200 that's ridiculous for some backpack straps

[@azertyuiop432]

Yep, need mass production to reduce cost

[@db4z09]

While it seems better than a traditional back brace, I don't think I would call it an exoskeleton.

[@HeroWearExo]

We call it an exosuit, which is technically a sub-category of 'exoskeleton' the way it is formally defined. But we agree, since it is all textile-based with full flexibility, it's not very 'skeletal'.