Exoskeletons for Logistics

The rise of bionic technology, like ‘wearables’ and ‘exoskeletons’, pushes the physical boundaries of the human body. Smart clothing, smart glasses, bionic arms and even smart contact lenses have the potential to support logistics employees during process execution or optimization and communication, and also to minimize health and security risks.

Exoskeletons can be considered as ‘wearable robot suits’ that boost the human body in terms of strength and endurance. This technology is currently used for rehabilitation in the health sector and for handling heavy equipment in the industry.

Opportunities

• To reduce physical strain during repetitive, manual tasks (order picking, packing, loading and unloading, …). Physical strain can lead to physical ailments, reduced productivity, low motivation, and even absenteeism
• To support older operators with physically demanding tasks
• To increase the productivity of repetitive tasks and heavy lifting

Results

• Exoskeletons are becoming increasingly developed for utilization within the industry. The currently available exoskeletons mainly focus on helping with repetitive tasks.
• Exoskeletons effectively reduce physical strain, but unwanted negative effects occur during some tasks.
• The use of a passive exoskeleton can be considered to address remaining risks.
• Companies who want to use exoskeletons in logistics should ask themselves two important questions:
• • Does the person wearing the exoskeleton have enough freedom of movement necessary to perform the task?
  • Does the task stay limited to a specific area in which the exoskeleton can be considered as effective?
• To use the exoskeleton, specialized training and guidance are necessary to become acclimated.
• VIL has created a phased scheme for the utilization of exoskeletons.