According to one embodiment, a transport assist apparatus includes a backpack, a straight-move support unit and a drive unit. The straight-move support unit is connected to the backpack and includes a support member configured to be driven so as to make an end of the support member contact a floor surface. The drive unit is connected to the backpack and the straight-move support unit and drives the support member in a direction of moving the end toward the floor surface in accordance with lifting up of at least one of a target person and a target object by a user, or in a direction of moving the end away from the floor surface in accordance with setting down of the at least one of the target person and the target object by the user.