France's FM Logistic has developed and patented its own exoskeleton for warehouse work. The so-called Ergoskeleton should prevent neck and back injuries when material handling.
The logistics provider's ergoskeleton can provide support to pickers when lifting parcels weighing up to 25 kg. FM Logistic designed the suit in cooperation with the Technical University of Compiègne. This involved looking at the gestures and postures of FM Logistics' warehouse workers, resulting in a vest-like device consisting of a frame with elements on the upper body, lower back, upper legs and cables with hand links. The support mechanism engages when the picker places his or her hand under the package.
According to FM Logistics, an earlier pilot showed that the strain on back and neck muscles was reduced by 70 per cent. 85 per cent of the testers said they still had sufficient freedom of movement.
The company is now testing ten different prototypes of the Ergoskel at five of its logistics sites in France. 25 employees of different ages are testing the exoskeletons. "As with any new technology, acceptance by the employees themselves is crucial," the company wrote in a statement. "The Ergoskel is a practical and lightweight tool to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. We hope that a growing number of people will soon be able to enjoy its benefits,"
'Exoskeleton in logistics is in the future'
VIL concluded earlier this year that exoskeletons or robotic suits are not yet sufficiently developed for wide use in logistics. The Belgian innovation platform examined the exoskeletons at four different companies.
Experiences varied widely, with some users finding the suits suitable as an aid. This mainly concerned employees who performed static tasks, such as working for long periods in one specific position on a belt. The exoskeletons proved less suitable for dynamic tasks in logistics. The suit was then considered uncomfortable due to friction, impact and limited freedom of movement.
