International Airlines Group has executed a strategic investment in Harvard spin-out Verve Motion to pilot a new aviation-specific exosuit targeting shoulder support for baggage handlers. The lightweight device delivers 240 newtons of assistive force, directly addressing the high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in repetitive lifting tasks across ground and cargo operations. Conducted via IAGi Ventures, the partnership evaluates how wearable robotics can reduce physical strain while accelerating plane loading times during busy turnarounds. This initiative aligns with IAG’s broader innovation strategy to strengthen operational resilience amid staffing shortages, leveraging Verve Motion’s SafeLift technology alongside HexArmor’s commercialization network. The pilot focuses on live operational environments at British Airways and Iberia facilities to quantify performance gains before potential group-wide adoption.