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This section provides an overview for power assist suits as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 power assist suit manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked power assist suit companies as of December, 2024: 1.NIDEC SANKYO, 2.Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd., 3.INNOPHYS CO.,LTD..
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
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.
Power assist suits can be classified into three main types based on appearance and support methods.
These are inexpensive and easy to use, offer freedom of movement, and are effective in tasks requiring complex movements.
These suits provide high support capability without drive time concerns, using springs and air pressure to mimic muscle action.
These have the highest assistive power due to motor drives and sensors, offering adjustable power but limited by battery life.
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.
Suitable for tasks like lifting and transporting harvested crops, offering support mainly to the lower back.
Ideal for long hours of repetitive work or handling moderately heavy objects, like line work and transshipment at logistics sites.
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.
Adjust the suit to fit the body using the shoulder belts and, if required, inject air into the artificial muscles.
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.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Innophys Co., Ltd., founded in 2013 with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of specialized garment-like back support devices for lifting and carrying heavy objects. The company's product line includes a range of wearable devices known as Muscle Suits and wearable balancers offering varying characteristics, including lift assist forces for humans handling materials in a variety of situations. These products are used in workplace environments to assist workers with heavy and difficult labor, as well as for rehabilitation after severe injuries and illnesses, and are suitable for farming work, nursing care support, construction work, and factory work.
Nidec Corporation was founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1973 and is a conglomerate with over 200 subsidiaries. Primary products are hard-disk drive motors and automotive parts, and specializes motors ranging from miniature to gigantic. Nidec’s products are used in robotics, automotive, home appliances, agriculturel equipments well as molding, cutting, and machining equipment and sensors.
Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd., established in 1918 and based in Nagano, Japan, is a manufacturer of horsepower motors, D.C. motors, and custom assemblies. The company also manufactures other products, such as motors and circuits that are used in medical equipment, appliances, CD-ROM drives, and water heaters, and has 1681 patents. With the ISO9001 accreditation, the company makes the products meeting the quality standards. All its production bases in different locations are also accredited to ISO9001. The companies to which the products are catered are automation, health and wellness, automotive and environmental sectors.
Panasonic Holdings Corporation, established in 1918 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of technologies and solutions for consumer electronics, automotive, and energy sectors. The company specializes in home appliances, business solutions, and industrial equipment. Its home appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, enhance daily living comfort. Its business solutions include advanced HVAC systems, professional lighting, and energy-efficient equipment for commercial spaces. The company's automotive products, like in-vehicle infotainment systems and automotive batteries, improve driving experiences and vehicle performance. It also offers audio-video solutions, facial recognition, security, and disaster prevention.
Mizuno Corporation, a company established in 1906, is based in Osaka, Japan, as an athletic wear manufacturer. It specializes in manufacturing baseball shoes and gloves, hickory skis, running shoes, leaf springs for prosthetic legs, and Mizuno GX competition swimsuits. Its manufactured products are made of Breath Thermo, a heat-generating fabric equipped with a thermal insulation mechanism to absorb body moisture and use it to generate heat. The company acquired ISO 14001 certification and partnered with Volleyball World to develop functional volleyball shoes, apparel, and equipment to support athletes' performances. Its manufactured products are utilized for sports and athletics industries across Japan.
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
TOAMEC Co., Ltd., founded in 1951 and based in Tokyo, Japan, distributor specializing in household appliances, electrical and electronic goods, and a range of industrial components. Its product line includes dynamic drives for machinery control, motor gears for torque transmission, hydraulic electronic controls for hydraulic system management, sending wind equipment for air flow control, and test equipment for performance assessment. Its products plays a vital role in the distribution of various equipment and components.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NIDEC SANKYO |
18.2%
|
| 2 | Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd. |
14.6%
|
| 3 | INNOPHYS CO.,LTD. |
14.6%
|
| 4 | NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD. |
11.6%
|
| 5 | Mizuno Corporation |
9.6%
|
| 6 | Panasonic Holdings Corporation |
9.1%
|
| 7 | Daiya Industry Co., Ltd. |
8.6%
|
| 8 | TOAMEC Co., Ltd. |
8.1%
|
| 9 | OK Robotics Corporation |
5.1%
|
| 10 | Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd. |
0.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the power assist suit page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Japan
|
10 | 100.0% |
34 products found
34 products
Morito Japan Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
■Reducing the burden on the body that is repeated every day ・Two reinforced belts reduce the load on the back and waist. - Stabilizes a wide range...
Dydo Co., Ltd.
410+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
A lightweight assist suit that reduces the burden of upward work. ■ "Task" that supports "working" with an incompatible assist that snuggles up to...
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
150+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
The lightweight and flexible assist reduces the burden of maintaining a half-waisted posture and lifting and moving heavy objects. It was developed...
2 models listed
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
120+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
On the back of the backpack, which is worn like carrying a backpack, special high-repulsion rubber is placed from the shoulders to the waist and fr...
2 models listed
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
150+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
This is an inner-type assist suit that is made entirely of mesh and is comfortable and light to wear, making it easier to maintain a mid-waisted po...
2 models listed
Wyckoff Science Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Feature 1 ■High repulsion rubber assists in lifting such as transporting heavy objects. Built-in high-resilience rubber from the back to the waist ...
Wyckoff Science Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
■Summary One of the top problems in the workplace is the strain on the lower back caused by long periods of sitting in a crouched position and bend...
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
140+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
It was developed to reduce the load during excavation work using dual excavators during utility pole installation work. A special double-handled sh...
2 models listed
Wyckoff Science Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
■Summary Working Assist LB has a structure that assists only the lower body, making it compatible with a variety of movements and easy to wear. It ...
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
Mechanization of excavation work at construction sites is progressing, but there are still many excavation operations that must be done manually. D...
3 models listed
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Cultivating peaches and grapes involves raising both arms for long periods of time, which puts strain on not only the arms but also the neck and lo...
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
130+ people viewing
Last viewed: 14 hours ago
One of the top problems in the workplace is the strain on the lower back caused by long periods of sitting in a crouched position and bending forwa...
3 models listed
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
110+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
Working Assist LB has a structure that assists only the lower body, making it compatible with a variety of movements and easy to wear. It has a str...
3 models listed
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
140+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
■Jointly developed products This product was developed jointly with car manufacturer Mazda Motor Corporation to alleviate the stress placed on the ...
3 models listed
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
140+ people viewing
Last viewed: 19 hours ago
This assist suit was developed for workers who frequently go up and down stairs, steep slopes, and steps. This is an outer type assist suit that ca...
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
This is an inner-type walking assist suit that helps you maintain proper posture and supports easy leg movement. The contractile force of the "ligh...
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 15 hours ago
There are many tasks at work sites that place a heavy burden on the lower back, such as loading and unloading cargo and transporting heavy objects....
Dia Kogyo Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
Gradual compression reduces the strain on your legs during long hours of standing work. The taping line makes it easier to walk by pulling your toe...
Double Giken Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Standard Response
The MOMO series helps you move your arm smoothly with little force. It can be used as a life partner in various situations, such as at home, at sch...
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
◼︎Product overview With a maximum assisting force of 27 kgf, it powerfully supports the strain on the lower back at work sites. Supports hard work ...
Yoshikawa Shoko Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 39 minutes ago
Features ■Heavy load assist function Increases back muscle strength by approximately 20% when lifting heavy objects, reducing strain on the lower b...
Yoshikawa Shoko Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
■Walking assistance with knee supporter It makes it easier to raise your knees, improving walking power and stride length.
