News & Events

Can Wearable Robotics Offer Real Relief for Chronic Low Back Pain—Without Opioids?

May 27th, 2025in News & Events

Low back pain (LBP)—whether acute or chronic—is the leading cause of disability worldwide. At the Neuromotor Recovery Laboratory, we’re pioneering a new approach to LBP management using wearable robotic technology. In a groundbreaking clinical trial conducted in collaboration with Harvard University and the BU Physical Therapy Center (BUPTC), we are testing a soft robotic backpack designed to support the lower back during everyday activities. This innovative device is engineered to reduce pain and improve mobility—without the use of opioids. More