Exoskeletons are cutting-edge wearable devices designed to augment human physical performance. Whether powered or unpowered, these innovative suits are revolutionizing industries from healthcare to manufacturing.
Drawing inspiration from the protective exoskeletons of creatures like crabs and insects, these technological marvels enhance strength, endurance, and mobility, pushing the boundaries of human potential.
Exoskeletons are wearable devices designed to support and enhance the physical capabilities of the human body. They can be powered or unpowered and are used in various fields such as healthcare, industrial work and the military.
Exoskeletons are inspired by the protective and supportive outer shells of animals like crabs or insects.
Routine work can be carried out more comfortably thanks to the exoskeleton's support. When used in a manufacturing context, an exoskeleton can significantly improve the user's lifting power.
A passive exoskeleton tends to be used to improve or correct posture, or to provide light support to the body. It provides support to the body without using a power source. Instead, a passive exoskeleton uses elastic materials and springs to store and release energy.
An active exoskeleton is powered by a system of electric motors, pneumatics or hydraulics and supplements the user's own movements and strength to simplify tasks and reduce stress on their body. Typically, movements are controlled via muscle tension - detected by sensors.
In summary, a passive exoskeleton supports the body without a power source and assists with posture. An active exoskeleton is powered by electricity or hydrolics and is designed to boost the user's strength.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the British public body responsible for workplace health, safety and welfare, 6.6 million work days were lost to musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints in the year 2022-2023. That represents almost 20% of all sick days that year (35.2M), and was the second highest cause after stress, depression or anxiety*.
Considering the size of the issue and its huge budget implications, exoskeletons could provide a beacon of hope.
*Source: Hansard UK Parliament.
Exoskeletons can be used preventively - that is to intervene and prevent sickness due to MSK complaints before cases arise.
When researching and selecting a suitable exoskeleton system, technical and organisational measures should be examined first. Workplaces with heavy lifting or repetitive movements could benefit from exoskeleton technology.
In logistics, and thinking primarily about warehouse logistics, exoskeletons help workers to lift and move heavy loads without having to strain their muscles. This reduces the risk of injury and fatigue, increases motivation, productivity and job satisfaction.
Let's define industry. Broadly, industry describes the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in an industrial setting.
Exoskeletons can be applied in anything from metal processing, mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, electrical industry, wood processing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, commercial kitchens or tyre processors.
Not just a tool to boost strength and productivity, in a precision industry like electronics or pharmaceuticals, exoskeletons can also improve stability and precision movements in the hands. Specialised exoskeletons can also provide additional protection and safety in hazardous workplaces (eg mining or petrochemical industry) where chemical substances or high temperatures cause a risk.
Heavy lifting is synonymous with construction. Whether it be dry wall construction, painting and varnishing, plastering, assembly and disassembly, windows, doors, interior fittings, design or landscaping, heavy lifting is inevitably involved.
Exoskeletons offer flexible work support to maintain stability and balance and assist lifting and carrying.
Just like industry and construction, thinking about trades, for example painting and decorating, electrical installation, ceiling construction, furniture making, precision mechanics, agriculture; harvesting, animal husbandry, soil cultivation, horticulture and care, workers are equally exposed to heavy equipment and lifting.
Lifting or repositioning patients in care, operating heavy farming equipment in agriculture or working overhead in electrics, exoskeletons can relieve the strain on the human body.
Exoskeletons are considered personal or person-related measures. It could be argued their use is voluntary, in which case there are no specific legal requirements or technical standards to adhere to.
However (in the EU), if an exoskeleton is certified as PPE, use of it is legally required and an employee must be equipped with a suitable exoskeleton as long as they are exposed to an increased workload.
According to §4 ArbSchG (Occupational Health and Safety Act), dangers must be treated at their source. When implementing exoskeletons, risk assessments should first be undertaken to find relevant dangers.
A risk assessment should focus on people as users, their individual characteristics and skills. Consider physical characteristics and any restrictive traits, personal feelings derived from these, work routine and needs.
Here at Carl Stahl, we supply exoskeleton solutions, offer professional training and provide ongoing support.
