Lowe's Hardware Employees Testing Exoskeletons to Aid Lifting

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SUMMARY

Lowe's Hardware is equipping employees with exoskeletons designed to reduce back strain during lifting tasks. Developed in collaboration with Virginia Tech engineering professor Alan Asbeck, these exoskeletons feature carbon-fiber shafts that flex and store energy when bending, subsequently releasing it to assist in lifting. This innovative design marks a significant advancement in practical exoskeleton applications, moving beyond mere research prototypes to real-world utility.

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  • Familiarity with biomechanics and human ergonomics
  • Knowledge of materials science, particularly carbon-fiber properties
  • Basic principles of energy storage and release mechanisms
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This discussion is beneficial for engineers, ergonomics specialists, workplace safety professionals, and anyone interested in the practical applications of exoskeleton technology in reducing physical strain in labor-intensive jobs.

berkeman
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Pretty neat. Lowe's is equiping some employees with these exoskeletons to help them lift in their jobs with less overall strain on their backs. Virginia Tech is working with Lowe's on the design and testing of the exoskeleton "uniforms". :smile:

http://money.cnn.com/2017/05/15/technology/lowes-exosuit/index.html?iid=ob_homepage_tech_pool
The suit also includes attached carbon-fiber shafts that run down a person's back and thighs. The shafts flex and store energy as a person bends over to pick something up. When the employee stands, the rods straighten and the energy releases, making the task easier. The process is similar to how a bow releases energy when an arrow is launched.

Lowe's developed the exoskeleton in partnership with Virginia Tech engineering professor Alan Asbeck. For years, engineers have tinkered with exoskeletons and exoskeletons as a way to augment human abilities with extra mechanical powers.

170511125849-lowes-exoskeleton-2-780x439.jpg
 
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Thats fascinating to me purely because this design looks practical. There have been many exoskeleton suits made, but this is the only one that I can visualize being used beyond a research level.
 

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