Lifting Without Consequences

Back pain is one of the most common causes of absences from work in physically demanding occupations. The forward bend exoskeleton NEXO Pro addresses this issue: It reduces muscle strain and thus fatigue, accelerates recovery, and maintains performance throughout the entire shift. For companies, this means fewer absences and more stable staffing levels, even during peak periods. Furthermore, the use of exoskeletons strengthens employer branding: physically demanding jobs become more attractive when technical support is visibly available.

In recent years, Schmalz has supported the use of exoskeletons in real-world scenarios, such as in logistics, woodworking, and metalworking. Feedback from these deployments has been directly incorporated into the development of the forward bend exoskeleton NEXO Pro. The result is a product designed to meet the actual requirements of users: quick to put on, self-adjusting, and ready to use right away.

The NEXO Pro forward bend exoskeleton operates purely mechanically. A feeder system absorbs the force when bending forward and returns it when straightening up. It supports the back during trunk flexion without putting additional compression on the spine, thereby reducing strain on the muscles. Thanks to breathable, washable materials, it is suitable for use both inside and outside. The on/off function can be operated with a single hand movement. An audible cue confirms the switching state even without looking at the device. Users can adjust all girders and operator handles themselves without tools, as well as set the intensity and the point at which support begins. The exoskeleton is available in two sizes.

The forward bend exoskeleton NEXO Pro is suitable for all tasks that require repetitive bending and lifting movements. Typical applications include order picking and warehouse logistics, loading and unloading machines in wood and metalworking, as well as mounting and finishing tasks on large-scale components. The system also provides reliable support in goods receiving and output, including confined spaces such as truck cargo areas and containers.