This exoskeleton-like back support lets you lift heavy objects while keeping your back safe

If your work involves regularly carrying heavy things around, then your back is most likely one of your body parts that suffers. I don’t have a job that does that (does carrying a heavy bag every day count?) and yet I constantly feel all sorts of back aches. Well, maybe I’m just old. In any case, those who work in construction, warehouse production, and other industries where they have to carry heavy objects need to have literal support to help them manage their bones and joints.

Designer: Bebop Design

A Korean studio designed one such product for their client WIRobotics. WIBS is a wearable back support that’s created specifically for those who are involved in labor intensive industries which workers can wear while they’re doing their task or when they’re on a break. The brace was designed to not look so much like a brace but more to look like it’s part of your outfit and will not get in the way of doing your usual tasks. It also looks comfortable enough to regularly wear or at least when you need to have better support for your body.

WIBS is able to provide mechanical support to the user’s posterior, including the back and waist, two of the parts that are affected when you regularly lift heavy objects. While the materials are durable and designed to withstand pressure, they were able to use a soft design to it for the user’s comfort. There is also no need for electricity to use it so you can go around without needing to charge or change any battery. It uses tensioned flexible rubber composite as well as mechanical gears. You can adjust the strength level through an analog controller in the chest area.

This back support device can be adjusted to various sizes depending on the wearer as it has adjustable straps for the perfect fit. Think of it as a posterior brace that will not hinder movements but provide much needed support as you go about your regular tasks that involve lifting and moving heavy objects for a long period of time.

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LEGO meets Mario with this retro and iconic Super Mario Piranha Plant

I am a huge fan of Legos in the sense that I like looking at the finished products, especially if they’re pop culture-related. But I basically don’t have the patience to put those elaborate sets together so I actually am not tempted to buy any of these sets (aside from the fact that they can be really expensive). But I do like seeing videos of how they’re put together or looking at pictures of what it looks like upon its final build. If you’re a Super Mario fan, this upcoming new product to add to the LEGO Super Mario sets may be of interest, or for people like me, may be of interest to read about.

Designer: LEGO

The LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant is made up of 540 pieces and when put together, you get exactly what its name says. The sharp-toothed Piranha Plant is one of the most annoying things you can get when you’re playing the game. Now you can commemorate this “villain” by putting together the LEGO set which is also camera-ready since you want to show off that you were able to finish this masterpiece.

The plant has most of the details and chracteristics that you see in the game, including spiky leaves, the polka-dot head, and the green pipe from which it grows. You even get two gold coins as well similar to the game and you can store it in the pipe. Once you finish it, it’s perfect for displaying in your desk, bookshelf, or if you’re a serious LEGO collector, add it to your display case. It’s just 9 inches in height so it won’t take up much space.

The LEGO Piranha Plant will be available this coming November and is priced at $59.99. It’s pretty affordable compared to the more elaborate hundreds or even thousands of dollar sets that LEGO has released. You can add it to other Super Mario themed sets like The Mighty Bowser and the Super Mario 64 Block.

The post LEGO meets Mario with this retro and iconic Super Mario Piranha Plant first appeared on Yanko Design.