INNOPHYS

Innophys is a venture company that originated from the Tokyo University of Science, established on December 27, 2013, by Professor Hiroshi Kobayashi. The company's name is derived from "Innovation for Physical Support." Innophys focuses on developing and distributing equipment to solve societal issues, particularly in elderly care, welfare, and specialized industrial sectors.

The company's flagship product is the "Muscle Suit," a wearable exoskeleton that assists with movement and reduces the physical burden on a user's back. The development of the Muscle Suit began in Professor Kobayashi's lab in April 2000. Unlike many competitors that use electric motors, the Muscle Suit is powered by pneumatic artificial muscles (McKibben-type), which contract with compressed air to provide assistive force. This design makes the suit lightweight, safe, and operable without electricity, allowing its use in various environments, including outdoors and around hazardous materials. The first model was sold in October 2014. A significant milestone was the launch of the "Muscle Suit Every" in November 2019, a model that was made lighter and more affordable, expanding the target market from primarily corporate clients to individual consumers. By April 2024, the series had sold over 35,000 units.

Innophys serves a diverse client base across sectors such as nursing care, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. The business model involves the development, manufacturing, and distribution of these assistive suits. The company has successfully raised significant capital to fund its growth, including a Series C round of ¥3.53 billion in December 2019. Investors include corporate partners like Bic Camera, Brother Industries, and TIS, as well as financial institutions like Fidelity International. Innophys has also expanded its global presence, opening a representative office in Germany in June 2025 to accelerate business in the growing European market. Recently, on March 6, 2026, the company launched a new product, the "Muscle Suit PRO INSOLE," a functional insole designed to support the feet during long periods of standing or walking.

The company's mission is to enable everyone to live an independent life for as long as they live, aiming to create a world without back-breaking labor or the need for elderly care. This problem-solving approach, rather than a technology-first mindset, distinguishes Innophys from many other university-originated ventures. The Muscle Suit Every received ISO 13482 certification for personal care robot safety in February 2020.

Keywords: exoskeleton, assistive suit, wearable robot, pneumatic artificial muscle, back support, physical support, elderly care technology, logistics technology, manufacturing automation, agricultural technology, construction safety, worker safety, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Tokyo University of Science, Muscle Suit, material handling, labor shortage solutions, rehabilitation support, work-related injury prevention, human augmentation