This cooperative agreement from the National Science Foundation will support the development of mechanized clothing to enhance productivity and low back health for logistics industry workers. Herowear LLC will receive $998,660 under the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program (CFDA 47.084) from September 2022 through August 2024.
The project aims to address key design challenges for assistive technologies that provide lift assistance for delivery drivers. Herowear will add mode switching capabilities, integrate a method for disengaging assistance during sitting, create leg sleeves for comfort, and conduct field studies to validate performance. The goal is a commercially viable exosuit prototype that meets daily needs of delivery drivers, with objective evidence of efficacy from real-world testing. If successful, this innovation could help reduce fatigue, injury risk and back pain for delivery workers, lowering employers' costs from turnover and medical expenses.