Passive lift-assist exoskeleton for repetitive lifting tasks
This is a wearable mechanical exoskeleton that wraps around a worker's torso and legs to help them lift heavy objects and bend without strain. It stores energy in a combination of gas and compression springs as the user bends down, then releases that stored energy to push the user back upright — reducing the muscular effort required. A key mechanical feature links the left and right sides so that when a worker walks or shifts their weight, the system automatically balances the assistance between legs, allowing relatively natural movement. A user-controlled release mechanism lets them disengage the assist when they don't need it, and re-engage it on demand.
What you could build
A passive (no batteries or motors) lift-assist exoskeleton suit sold or leased to employers in warehousing, manufacturing, construction, and logistics to reduce back injuries among workers who repeatedly bend and lift. Occupational health and safety buyers at large distribution centers, third-party logistics providers, or automotive assembly plants would be the primary purchasers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based logistics hubs, defense-contractor manufacturing facilities, and shipbuilding operations (Newport News) that have high volumes of manual material handling and active safety programs would be natural early customers or pilot partners.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Alan T. Asbeck, Taylor Pesek, Timothy Pote
- Granted
- October 24, 2023
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11793703
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.