SCH and ArmasTec Partner to Develop the AEGIS Exosuit

​SingHealth Community Hospitals and ArmasTec Partner to Develop the AEGIS Exosuit, Eyes Enhanced Protection from Injuries for Singapore's Healthcare Workers

SINGAPORE, 8 DECEMBER 2023 – SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH) today announced its landmark partnership with homegrown deep tech startup, ArmasTec Pte Ltd., marking a significant milestone in the battle against work-related joint and muscle injuries prevalent in healthcare. 

Through a Memorandum of Understanding inked today, SCH and ArmasTec will co-develop and commercialise AEGIS – a first-of-its kind fabric exosuit designed specifically to combat the high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among nurses and other healthcare professionals. SCH will contribute clinical, design, and technical expertise to ensure the AEGIS exosuit is fully viable for clinical use, while ArmasTec spearheads the technology development.

Studies have shown that about 7 in 10 nurses suffer from these work-related conditions. AEGIS (Air-powered Exosuit to Reduce Fatigue Induced Injuries) will reduce injuries, enhance physical capabilities, and provide mechanical support for healthcare-specific tasks. Once validated, the AEGIS clinical exosuit will offer lifting support for key areas – lower back, neck, shoulders, and knees – and reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

"We foresee AEGIS to be a game-changer in reducing the physical stressors faced by healthcare colleagues in the frontline. Co-designed by clinicians for clinicians, the exosuit will augment the organic efforts of the individual nurse or therapist to make lifting, carrying and transferring less effortful and safer for both healthcare workers and patients. SCH is excited to partner ArmasTec Pte Ltd, a forward-thinking tech company whose innovations have benefited many workers in other industries," shared Associate Professor Gan Wee Hoe, Chief Executive Officer of SCH.

Singapore-based ArmasTec, renowned for its lightweight, flexible 'AireLevate' exosuit that promotes easier load handling in logistics and hospitality, will bring its expertise to healthcare. Dr Rainier Natividad, co-founder and lead developer at ArmasTec, highlights the importance of adapting technology to address the unique needs of healthcare workers.

"Musculoskeletal disorders are a major concern for our healthcare heroes, and we are honoured to be the preferred partner of SCH to address this through ArmasTec's technology. AEGIS will employ our air-powered technology, custom-designed for healthcare challenges," said Dr Natividad of ArmasTec. "It will be compatible with infection control protocols, offer a soft form factor to minimise injuries, and provide mechanical support for tasks like patient transfers to ensure safety and efficiency for both healthcare professionals and patients." 

AEGIS will be co-designed with input and feedback from SCH nurses and allied health professionals. As part of the innovation project supported by the Ministry of Health, AEGIS will be deployed at Outram Community Hospital (OCH) and Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH) for 6 months. During this time, the project team will evaluate AEGIS' cost-effectiveness compared to existing interventions to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare.

"Being a healthcare worker can be physically demanding and AEGIS can help us to carry out our tasks safely and more efficiently. I am excited to be part of this innovative project that will help to improve the overall wellbeing of healthcare workers, so that we can provide the best care for our patients," shared Mr Shaifullah Bin Abu Bakar, Nurse Clinician at OCH who is also part of the AEGIS project team.

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Notes to editors:
An exosuit is a wearable device which enhances the physical capabilities of the wearer. It is equipped with features that assist with tasks such as walking, lifting, and carrying heavy weights by augmenting the user's strength and endurance. Exosuits have been shown to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders in other industries with high prevalence of this condition among its workers.

About SingHealth Community Hospitals
SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH) comprises Bright Vision Community Hospital, Sengkang Community Hospital and Outram Community Hospital, where the focus goes beyond healthcare to health as patients are provided with a homely environment to recuperate and take part in well-paced personalised care. As part of the SingHealth Regional Health System, SCH believes in working closely with community partners to allow patients to receive holistic and continued care during admission and after discharge. 

About ArmasTec Pte Ltd
Founded in 2021 and based in Singapore, ArmasTec is at the forefront of developing body-assistive technology through fabric exoskeletons. With a mission to become the market leader in comfortable and efficient body-assistive apparel, ArmasTec caters to the logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, addressing critical manual-handling needs. With a vision to make body-assistive apparel a standard for workplaces and homes, ArmasTec is committed to fostering an inclusive and productive society – empowering people across all ages and genders – through innovative technology solutions.