Objetives
In professional activities involving load handling, frequent bending, squatting or prolonged periods of standing, repeated physical strain can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. These risks are particularly relevant in sectors such as logistics, construction and retail, where physically demanding tasks are part of everyday work.
However, existing assistive technologies still present significant limitations. Many exoskeletons rely on rigid, heavy and bulky components that do not always follow the body’s natural movements effectively. Comfort, ease of use and adaptability to different tasks therefore remain key challenges.
ExoTI was created in response to this need: a lightweight, active and fully textile-based exosuit designed to provide workers with personalised musculoskeletal assistance. Intended to be worn like a close-fitting garment, the suit will support the lower back and lower limbs, adapting its assistance to each worker’s movements and physical condition. In this way, it will help reduce muscular strain and facilitate the performance of physically demanding tasks.
Summary - Download the Operation Sheet (Note: Information is only available in Portuguese.)
ExoTI brings together textile engineering, actuation systems and artificial intelligence in a fully integrated solution. The project is being developed by a consortium combining LMA’s industrial capabilities, the University of Minho’s scientific expertise and Fibrenamics’ experience in transforming advanced materials into innovative solutions.
Within the textile component, a multimaterial structure inspired by natural movement mechanisms will be developed. Instead of using a rigid frame, the garment itself will act as the interface between the assistance system and the user. This structure will distribute the force generated by a shape memory alloy spring actuator, providing coordinated support for different lower-limb movements.
The actuation system will be designed to combine low weight, force-generation capacity and fast response times. To improve the performance of the shape memory alloys, active heating and cooling mechanisms will be incorporated to control the material’s contraction and recovery cycles.
The digital component will interpret the user’s activity during operation. Data collected by sensors embedded in the exosuit will make it possible to recognise movement intention, monitor physical exertion and determine the most appropriate level of support for each situation. This processing will be supported by artificial intelligence tools, without requiring additional measurement systems.
The primary application scenario is the logistics sector, where workers regularly perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks, such as standing for extended periods, bending the torso forwards, squatting and carrying heavy loads. The exosuit will be validated in real working environments.
In the longer term, the target sectors will also include retail, transport, construction, hospital care, assisted living and rehabilitation.
Innovations & Contributons
ExoTI proposes a distinctive approach to occupational physical assistance by bringing together, within a single system:
- An active, fully textile-based wearable capable of supporting both the lower back and lower limbs;
- A flexible structure designed to replace the rigid frames typically used in exoskeletons;
- A lightweight textile actuator based on shape memory alloys and optimised to deliver a faster and more efficient response;
- Sensors embedded directly into the exosuit to identify movements and monitor physical exertion without interfering with the user’s activity;
- An intelligent system that continuously adjusts assistance according to the task, muscular activity and energy expenditure;
- A hybrid actuator control strategy supported by models that reproduce the different stages of shape memory alloy behaviour.
Project co-funded by the NORTE 2030 Regional Programme, NORTE2030-FEDER-02965900.
