Our Goal is to Create a Future Where Exoskeletons are as Common as the Phone in Your Pocket: Rainier Natividad, CEO of ArmasTec

ArmasTec is a technology startup that specializes in the development of body-assistive apparel designed to aid individuals engaged in manual labor. Based in Singapore, the company has developed the AireLevate, a fabric-based exoskeleton that supports the lower back during heavy lifting and physical tasks. Utilizing proprietary fabric air-regulated muscles, this suit reduces muscle effort and minimizes the risk of stress-induced injuries. Weighing approximately 1.5 kilograms, the AireLevate is both lightweight and cost-effective, offering a practical solution for enhancing worker productivity and safety across various industries.

In Conversation with Rainier Natividad, Founder & CEO of ArmasTec

What motivated you to establish ArmasTec?

Throughout my career in biomedical engineering, I observed a significant gap in solutions that effectively address work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Witnessing the physical challenges faced by workers in industries requiring manual labor, I was driven to create a practical, wearable solution that could alleviate strain and reduce injury risks. This led to the inception of ArmasTec and the development of the AireLevate suit.​

Could you elaborate on how the AireLevate suit functions?

The AireLevate is designed to assist individuals performing physically demanding tasks by providing support to the lower back during heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. It utilizes our proprietary fabric air-regulated muscles to reduce muscle effort and minimize the risk of stress-induced injuries. Weighing approximately 1.5 kilograms, the suit is both lightweight and cost-effective, offering a practical solution for enhancing worker productivity and safety across various industries. ​

What challenges did you encounter while developing this technology?

Integrating advanced technology into a wearable, lightweight, and cost-effective suit posed several challenges. We needed to ensure that the AireLevate provided sufficient support without restricting movement or causing discomfort. Balancing durability with flexibility, and achieving effective assistance while maintaining affordability, required extensive research, testing, and iteration.​

How does the AireLevate suit compare to traditional exoskeletons?

Traditional exoskeletons often rely on rigid structures and can be bulky, heavy, and expensive. In contrast, the AireLevate is fabric-based, making it significantly lighter and more comfortable. Its design allows for greater flexibility and ease of use, enabling workers to perform tasks without the encumbrance associated with traditional exoskeletons. Additionally, its cost-effectiveness makes it accessible to a broader range of industries and organizations.​

Could you describe the research and development process at ArmasTec?

Our R&D process is deeply collaborative and iterative. We engage with workers, ergonomists, and industry experts to understand the specific challenges faced in manual labor tasks. This feedback informs our design and development, allowing us to create solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also practical and user-friendly. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure safety, efficacy, and durability before bringing our products to market.​

What industries do you believe will benefit most from the AireLevate suit?

The AireLevate suit is designed to benefit a wide range of industries where manual labor is prevalent. This includes construction, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Any industry that involves heavy lifting or repetitive physical tasks can potentially see improvements in worker safety, productivity, and overall well-being through the use of our suit.​

How do you see the future of wearable assistive technology developing?

I anticipate that wearable assistive technology will become increasingly integrated into various industries, with advancements focusing on enhancing user comfort, adaptability, and functionality. As materials and sensor technologies evolve, we can expect more personalized and responsive assistive devices that seamlessly support human movement and reduce injury risks.​

What role does ArmasTec aim to play in the future of wearable assistive technology?

ArmasTec aims to be at the forefront of this evolution by continually innovating and refining our assistive apparel. We are committed to improving the quality of life for workers by providing solutions that are not only effective but also practical and accessible. Our focus is on empowering individuals to perform their tasks safely and efficiently, thereby contributing positively to both their well-being and productivity.

Could you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that have been instrumental to ArmasTec's development?

Collaborations have been vital to our growth. We have partnered with academic institutions like the National University of Singapore, which has provided valuable research support and resources. Additionally, working closely with industry partners has allowed us to test and refine our products in real-world settings, ensuring they meet the practical needs of users.​

What feedback have you received from users of the AireLevate suit?

Users have reported significant reductions in fatigue and discomfort during physically demanding tasks. They appreciate the suit's lightweight design and the freedom of movement it allows. Many have noted an improvement in their ability to perform tasks over longer periods without experiencing the usual strain, which has positively impacted their productivity and job satisfaction.​

How does ArmasTec ensure the safety and reliability of its products?

Safety is our top priority. We adhere to stringent testing protocols, conducting extensive laboratory and field tests to assess the suit's performance under various conditions. Our team continuously monitors and evaluates the suit's durability, effectiveness, and user impact, making necessary adjustments to maintain high safety and reliability standards.​

How do you balance innovation with affordability in your products?

Balancing innovation with affordability is a core principle at ArmasTec. We achieve this by leveraging cost-effective materials and efficient manufacturing processes without compromising on quality or performance. Our goal is to make advanced assistive technology accessible to as many workers and industries as possible, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to improving workplace safety and efficiency.

What are the next steps for ArmasTec in terms of product development and market expansion?

We are focused on expanding our product line to address a broader range of physical tasks and industries. This includes developing variations of the AireLevate suit tailored to specific job requirements. In terms of market expansion, we aim to establish a presence in regions where manual labor-intensive industries are prevalent, providing solutions that enhance worker safety and productivity globally.​

Rainier Natividad, Founder & CEO, ArmasTec

“Users have reported significant reductions in fatigue and discomfort during physically demanding tasks. They appreciate the suit's lightweight design and the freedom of movement it allows.”

“Armastec empowers people of all ages and genders to create an inclusive and productive society.”