Exoskeletons in the Workplace: A new Opportunity for CPOs

Those involved in worker health and safety know first-hand that the importance of injury prevention cannot be overstated. Workers in manual labor-centered industries, such as construction and manufacturing, face complex challenges when performing their work.

Technological advances, such as exoskeleton suits, have given rise to newer operations that ease some of their pressure. These kinds of wearable technology have the power to improve human user abilities, and further advancement is making them more promising than ever.

The Evolution of Exoskeleton Technology

Exoskeleton technology has gained considerable interest across multiple occupations. These devices are typically made from lightweight materials such as aluminum or plastic. Passive exoskeletons are ideal for manual workers since they have no powered components and harness the body’s natural movements to provide support.

However, further developments are looking into the use of active exoskeletons. These are ideal for people with existing impairments and injuries, as the components are designed to power and support the body. They’re more commonly used in defense and other sectors with more physically demanding activities.

Active exoskeletons can be ideal for manual labor industries like manufacturing, construction and agriculture. However, their intricate components and heavier weight are a cause for concern. Hybrid exoskeletons are emerging as a viable alternative since they combine active and passive features into a suit.

These wearable robotics are much more accommodating to users since they also incorporate robotic actions to accomplish manual tasks. Their lightweight nature will remain rigid, which will continue to provide the necessary support.

Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention

Advanced exoskeleton technology is more than promising, especially when preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). From 2021 to 2022, there were 502,380 workplace injury cases involving MSDs, which resulted in at least a day away from work. 

Managing musculoskeletal conditions once they occur is challenging. Patients must work with physical medicine rehab doctors and physical therapists, undergo different interventional procedures and take different medication prescriptions. Thus, any occupational worker must focus on musculoskeletal injury prevention.

Occupational exoskeletons lessen the risk of developing MSDs in the lumbar, trunk, thorax and the rest of the spine. Passive exoskeleton systems reduce inner muscle force and improve the extension of these body parts.

Exoskeletons are also helpful in reinforcing the lower and upper limbs, which are highly susceptible to injury. Knee-assistive wearables help provide support when kneeling and squatting in manual labor.

Ergonomic Assistance

Exoskeletons go beyond mitigating the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injuries. They can also provide ergonomic intervention by supporting the lower back, upper body and knees. Increasing worker comfort is incredibly important in manual labor industries, especially for aging workers with fewer capabilities.

Hazards on a construction site or in a manufacturing warehouse may result in fatigue and physical burnout. Even if they won’t directly lead to MSDs in the near future, upholding the health and well-being of manual laborers must be a priority.

The ergonomic assistance from exoskeletons could also attract workers toward the manual labor industry again. Many people may feel put off by the injury rates, so having that assistive technology helps assure their safety.

Worker Performance and Productivity

By prioritizing injury prevention in manual labor industries, people can deliver better work performance. Exoskeletons enhance human capabilities, so wearers can expect more strength and agility when performing manual labor. 

There’s also the matter of how injuries lead to taking time off work to recuperate. Even upon employees’ return, their conditions may change the quality of their work. Exoskeleton technology helps ensure their performance will always be on par with others.

With the right level of assistance, people are also much more fit to work, which increases productivity. There has been much speculation over artificial intelligence-powered technology replacing human labor. Exoskeletons let people’s knowledge and expertise flourish while assisting them with their physical capabilities.

Implementation Challenges to Address

Exoskeletons are an excellent tool for protecting the manual labor industry against injuries. However, there are several considerations to address before fully implementing them everywhere. For instance, these robotic wearables require extensive fitting and testing.

Due to the exoskeleton’s nature, optimal comfort and assistance can only be achieved when it matches the wearer’s measurements and movements. It is vital to ensure worker safety and comfort as well as equipment functionality.

Another cause for concern is the cost. Certain robotic exoskeleton models, like the Sarcos Guardian XO, can improve industrial work efficiency and safety. Humans command and control the robotic wearable, which increases their strength and endurance.

However, these expensive models cost $100,000 annually per unit to rent. Small businesses may have difficulty finding efficient alternatives at an affordable rate, and even larger companies would have to dedicate large amounts of their funds.

Future Developments to Come

Further developments in exoskeleton technology indicate more potential for injury prevention in manual labor. Materials and design will continue to evolve to ensure lightweight and functional tools. There are also possibilities for integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.

Combining smart technology could allow robotic wearables to predict and adapt to user movements more effectively. Including sensors would also provide information on body position and location. Managers can use real-time feedback to ensure their health and safety during work operations.