Soft Exoskeleton Shirt Weighs Less Than 2 Pounds But Can Help the Wearer Lift 35

[Ghoti Ichthus]

I can see some "interesting" military applications for this and pants made with the same technology if used to augment what a Soldier can already lift and carry.
Might be useful for that 200 million man army . . .

Soft Exoskeleton Shirt Weighs Less Than 2 Pounds But Can Help the Wearer Lift 35​

By Andy Corbley
Jan 22, 2026

"outh Korean engineers have developed a soft, shirt-like exoskeleton to give individuals with degenerative muscle conditions more mobility and independence.
Costing thousands less than hard, motor-driven exoskeletons, and weighing less than 2 pounds, it’s a game-changing innovation in the field of robotics.
Built by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, it consists of a shirt that can be taken on and off just like one made of cotton, paired with a modest nylon harness to hold the electrical components."

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Soft Exoskeleton Shirt Weighs Less Than 2 Pounds But Can Help the Wearer Lift 35

The "shape memory alloy" allows the shirt's fabric to contract and do up to half the work of a human shoulder or elbow.

www.goodnewsnetwork.org

 

[Tall Timbers]

I wonder if there could be long term downside(s) to technology like this.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

I wonder if there could be long term downside(s) to technology like this.

I guess if people got lazy or the shirts and outer mechanisms weren't perfectly matched to the wearer.

Having used gear that didn't even remotely fit me, I can say ergonomics are critical to avoid injury and later chronic problems.

 

[Tall Timbers]

I guess if people got lazy or the shirts and outer mechanisms weren't perfectly matched to the wearer.

Having used gear that didn't even remotely fit me, I can say ergonomics are critical to avoid injury and later chronic problems.

If a person is wearing the shirt because they're already disabled, and then their muscles never really get much in the way of exercise, I'd think maybe it would exacerbate the problem they already have. It might be better long term if daily tasks are performed the best one can do on their own. If the shirt allows functionality where there is no capability without the shirt, then maybe that's a mute point.

The other thought is if the shirt isn't on quite right or there is some other glitch and a task is attempted that is beyond the normal ability of the wearer, significant injury might result.

Just my wondering about this thing.

 

[Hol]

I wonder if there could be long term downside(s) to technology like this.

I’m sure you’re right, first problem is that muscles aren’t improving.

I think it could be fantastic with moderate use. If someone has limited function of their upper body, think of the nervous system deteriorating and soft tissue not getting normal stretching and blood flow. Added movement might help in so many ways.