FR
Plate No. 001 · 2026
Back and work Updated on By Methodology

Is an exoskeleton useful for a nursing assistant or nurse?

The answer in detail

In care jobs, the back often works in static flexion: bedside washing, prolonged care while bent, helping someone stand. These postures tire the lower back even when the load is not heavy. A passive back exoskeleton targets precisely this type of effort, taking over part of the bending through springs.

It is not meant to lift a dependent patient: for full transfers, the patient lift remains the suitable equipment. The exoskeleton concerns intermediate tasks, not heavy handling or emergencies. It mainly targets fatigue accumulated over a whole day, notably on long shifts, more than the exceptional movement.

What the sources say

  • Our catalog: the Hapo HD (1,282.80 euros, 1.13 kg) for repeated bending, the Hapo BACK (2,398.80 euros, 1.1 kg) for on-demand support, the Hapo CS (2,158.80 euros) for a female body shape.
  • INRS: an exoskeleton is not personal protective equipment and can shift constraints to other parts of the body.
  • Cardiac cost: INRS indicates, as an example for handling tasks, an increase of about 15% on average.
  • Follow-up: INRS recommends involving the occupational health service in the fitness assessment.

For handling jobs in general, read our article on the exoskeleton for nursing assistants and nurses.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Identify the most demanding tasks: transfers, washing, care in a bent position.
  2. First look for collective solutions: height-adjustable bed, patient lift, ceiling rail.
  3. If an exoskeleton is considered, ask the occupational physician's opinion.
  4. Check hygiene: cleaning the harness between two patients, according to the manufacturer's manual.
  5. Test over a few shifts with volunteers, then review with the team and the occupational health service.

Limits and precautions

  • An exoskeleton replaces neither task training nor technical aids.
  • It must never hinder an emergency gesture or contact with the patient.
  • Effects on the heart and on general fatigue are not the same for everyone.
  • This is not medical advice: if you have back pain, consult a health professional.

For the framework of introduction in an establishment, read our question on consulting the works council.

Key takeaways

A passive back exoskeleton can relieve intermediate care tasks, but it replaces neither the patient lift nor collective prevention. Our pages offer Hapo models of about 1.1 kg, with no battery. INRS recalls that it is not personal protective equipment and cites a cardiac cost increase of about 15% on some tasks: involve the occupational health service and test before deploying, keeping a written record of the trial and caregivers' feedback.

Sources