AI Exoskeleton technology trial shows potential for reducing back injuries

AI driven exoskeletons aimed at preventing workplace fatigue and back problems has been successfully trialled at TECHNAL UK,  a supplier of  low-carbon aluminium window, door and facade systems for the construction industry. The trial of the technology was facilitated by health and safety experts Stanley. It’s success means that the exoskeleton technology will now be rolled out more widely across the business.

TECHNAL UK approached Stanley to help provide an exoskeleton that would support their workers who are lifting heavy metal profiles from racking, ready for dispatch to customers. These can weigh anything up to 25kg. Sometimes operatives need to bend low into racking to pick them up and then hoist them up onto their shoulders. The two main workers who trialled the system instantly felt a benefit through reduced fatigue and support of their back whilst wearing the Hapo Back exoskeleton.

Andre Jutel, Solutions Consultant at Stanley said: “We are delighted with the results of the two-week trial with the TECHNAL UK team.  It was interesting to see the results on the workers involved – one of whom was in his 60s and the other in his 20s.  Both felt an immediate benefit from wearing the exoskeletons, which are designed to provide back support when lifting heavy loads.  The trial consisted of a one-week induction where the workers got used to wearing the exoskeletons and then one week with sensors used before and after the intervention of the exoskeleton to determine the difference.

“Anecdotally, both workers reported instant relief, especially in the case of the younger worker who commented that he immediately felt less fatigue and went home feeling better and would happily wear one all of the time while on shift.  Our analysis of the suits included a precise assessment of core activities in a report, providing data-driven insights that proved the effectiveness of the exoskeleton suit in enhancing worker comfort. ”

The key results of that analysis show that using the exoskeleton technology could potentially prevent lower back strain at work by 30%.  In addition, using the exoskeletons could potentially reduce load on the back by up to 5 tons a day.

Matthew Hickman from TECHNAL said: “Both workers quickly adopted the exoskeleton technology and could see how it really contributed to helping them with their daily tasks, having a real impact on their fatigue at the end of the day.  We have purchased two further exosuits as we continue to roll this out to other employees who are now embracing the technology.”