Without straining
Industrial exoskeletons reduce physical activity by 40%
Stepan Ikaev, Hi-tech+
Engineers from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) have developed several prototypes of an exoskeleton to support workers employed in industrial enterprises. The suits are attached to the back and reduce physical activity by 40%, protecting the shoulders, elbows and spine from potential injuries. Each model is equipped with a pair of electric motors and algorithms for controlling mechanical prostheses, the weight of the structure varies from 6.5 to 7.7 kilograms, TechXplore reports.
The prototypes from ITT are the result of the Collaborative Cybernetic Systems project launched by the National Institute of Occupational Accident Insurance. As part of the program, scientists have designed three exoskeletons — XoTrunk, XoShoulder and XoElbow. The first provides support for the lower back, the second is aimed at the shoulders, and the third strengthens the elbows. According to the developers, workers using these models will be able to lift heavier equipment without fear of tearing their backs and damaging other limbs.
XoTrunk is aimed at those professionals who must often carry heavy equipment. The suit strengthens the legs and lower back, as a result of which the boxes weighing 20 kg feel like 12 kilograms. On the scale of regular eight-hour work shifts, the authors claim, XoTrunk is able to have a significant impact on the productivity and safety of warehouse enterprises.
XoShoulder was designed to support manual workers who often strain their shoulders. As an example, engineers cited automobile workshops where specialists work under vehicles on lifts. During the working day, they are forced to hold heavy tools above shoulder level for several hours, which negatively affects the musculoskeletal system. XoShoulder solves this problem with a pair of electric motors, each of which produces a torque of 12 Nm. The exoskeleton takes part of the load on itself and helps to do the work faster.
The latest exoskeleton — XoElbow — is a model focused on lifting weights that are located close to the operator's body. An example of use for XoElbow is the same workshops where workers have to lift heavy tires above shoulder level to install on a car. It is equipped with the same motors as the XoShoulder and weighs about 7 kg.
XoTrunk systems are currently being tested at various warehouses and factories in Italy, and XoShoulder and XoElbow will join it in the coming months. If the testing is successful, engineers will discuss the possibility of commercializing new exoskeletons.
You can see the work in exoskeletons here – VM.
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