BionicBack Exoskelett für die Pflege - Help Tech

Back strain is one of the greatest health risks in the nursing profession. A company from Baden-Württemberg is therefore focusing on technical support that can be used directly in everyday work. With a passive exoskeleton, prevention should begin where the strain occurs.

Exoskeletons as a response to physical strain in nursing

Help Tech is a young company from the Horb am Neckar area that has been active since the end of 2022. The focus is clearly on the nursing sector – more specifically, on the question of how nursing staff can be physically relieved in their everyday work. The starting point is a well-known reality: lifting, repositioning, and bending are part of their daily tasks, but they put a constant strain on their backs. This is exactly where the approach comes in. Help Tech is introducing an exoskeleton into the care sector that is not intended as a futuristic high-tech device, but as pragmatic support in everyday work. The aim is to relieve the strain on caregivers in the long term and thus also reduce absences due to illness.

The BionicBack as a passive exoskeleton

The focus is on the BionicBack product. This is a passive exoskeleton that is worn on the back and does not require motors or electronics. Support is provided purely mechanically via specifically designed structures and tension straps. The lower back area, especially the lumbar spine, is deliberately stabilized. This is where back problems occur particularly frequently in the nursing profession. A fixed structure in the lower area provides support, while flexible elements accompany the movement sequence instead of restricting it.

Support for lifting and bending movements

The functionality is designed to compensate for typical stress situations in everyday nursing care. When bending forward, lifting, or straightening up, the tension straps are activated and work together with the back extensor. This makes it easier for the body to straighten up again without the muscles having to do all the work on their own. Another effect is that the forces are better distributed throughout the entire body. The legs, buttocks, and torso are more involved in the movement. This not only promotes a more ergonomic way of working, but also reduces localized strain on the back.

Back problems as a structural care problem

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common causes of sick leave in the care sector. Back problems are high on the list. Discussions with nursing staff show how widespread the issue is. Many report persistent pain or restricted movement early on in their careers. The exoskeleton is therefore seen as a preventive measure. It should not only be used once damage has already occurred, but should provide support as early as possible. This brings the idea of prevention into sharper focus—an area that is often neglected in everyday care for cost reasons.

Suitability for everyday use and safety in care applications

An important aspect is safe use in direct contact with people in need of care. People with dementia in particular are at risk of grabbing clothing or equipment. For this reason, the exoskeleton is equipped with a special cover that completely covers the back elements when used in care. In addition, handles are integrated that can be used during transfers. People in need of care can grab these handles instead of pulling uncontrollably on shoulders or necks. This increases safety for both parties and prevents additional strain due to unfavorable grip points.

Financing between prevention and cost bearers

In principle, the exoskeleton is designed as a preventive measure, which means that the responsibility initially lies with the employer. In practice, however, it has been shown that prevention budgets are often limited. Accordingly, technical support is often only considered once complaints have already arisen. In such cases, it is possible to check whether the costs can be covered by external cost bearers. Depending on the situation, these may include pension insurance, professional associations, or other responsible bodies. The aim is to ensure that access to support is not hindered by formal obstacles.

Technical assistance as part of modern care work

Help Tech's approach makes it clear that relieving the burden of care cannot be solved by increasing staffing levels alone. Technical aids such as passive exoskeletons can be an important building block for improving working conditions in the long term. This is not about replacing human labor, but about providing support. The exoskeleton works in the background, promoting ergonomic behavior and helping to conserve physical resources. In an industry that is increasingly suffering from a shortage of skilled workers, this can be a decisive factor for health, motivation, and job retention.