What Is a Power Assist Suit?
A power assist suit is a general term for wearable equipment designed to assist in lifting heavy objects and other tasks. These suits use motors, electric actuators, artificial muscles, and other devices to facilitate movement and distribute weight. They are known by various names, including power suits, robot suits, and assist suits, with variations in shape, assistance mechanism, and details based on the product. A key distinction in power assist suits is whether they include an exoskeleton or frame.
Power assist suits with frames are usually electrically powered and offer strong support, with controllable power output based on movement. Frameless suits, often powered by air pressure or rubber, are less expensive and compact but offer less support.
Uses of Power Assist Suits
Power assist suits are used in a range of fields, from industrial sectors like military, medical care, and logistics, to hobbies incorporating amusement elements. They are gaining attention in agriculture, helping with heavy lifting tasks, supporting an aging workforce, and aiding female workers. The selection of a suitable power assist suit is important, given the varied work conditions in agriculture.
Features of Power Assist Suits
Advantages
1. Reduces the burden on the operator: Power assist suits significantly lessen the physical strain on workers, especially in fields like nursing care, agriculture, and construction, where heavy lifting is common. They typically offer a maximum assistive force of about 25kg.
2. Increased work efficiency: These suits can improve efficiency, enabling one person to do a job that previously required multiple people. They also enable women and older individuals to handle heavy loads.
3. Reduced risk of accidents: By reducing fatigue, power assist suits help prevent accidents. They also mitigate long-term bodily damage from continuous heavy labor, thereby improving the work environment and reducing accident risks.
Disadvantages
1. Time-consuming to wear: Putting on and taking off most power assist suits takes about a minute, which can be cumbersome if done frequently. Air pressure suits also need daily inflation.
2. Bulky and heavy: Although they reduce strain, the suits themselves are heavy, averaging around 5 kg. Their width can also be an obstacle in confined spaces.
3. High cost: Power assist suits are expensive, and regular maintenance is required for safe, long-term use, adding to running costs.
Types of Power Assist Suits
Power assist suits can be classified into three main types based on appearance and support methods.
1. Supporter Type (Without Power):
These are inexpensive and easy to use, offer freedom of movement, and are effective in tasks requiring complex movements.
2. Exoskeleton Assist Suit (Without Power):
These suits provide high support capability without drive time concerns, using springs and air pressure to mimic muscle action.
3. Exoskeleton Assist Suit (Powered):
These have the highest assistive power due to motor drives and sensors, offering adjustable power but limited by battery life.
How to Select Power Assist Suits
Choosing the right type of power assist suit based on the intended use is crucial. Consider the specific situations in which the suit will be used before making a purchase.
1. Supporter Type (Without Power):
Suitable for tasks like lifting and transporting harvested crops, offering support mainly to the lower back.
2. Exoskeleton Assist Suit (Without Power):
Ideal for long hours of repetitive work or handling moderately heavy objects, like line work and transshipment at logistics sites.
3. Exoskeleton Assist Suit (Powered):
Best for environments where additional strength is required, enabling even elderly people to carry heavy items and aiding in maintaining posture during long-duration tasks.
How to Use Power Assist Suits
1. Assistive Suit Without Power:
Adjust the suit to fit the body using the shoulder belts and, if required, inject air into the artificial muscles.
2. Powered Assistive Suits:
Fit the suit to the body, adjusting the belts as necessary. Turn on the power, and set the assist force and type before starting work. Refer to specific product instructions for precise fitting and operation steps.