Improve working conditions: Test center features exoskeletons and logistics course

Exploring technology and testing systems

In the exoskeleton test center, we conduct subject studies in a test course with typical logistical main and secondary activities (picking, loading and unloading, transport operations). Using subjective and objective methods, the suitability of the various exoskeletons for specific activities is investigated, among other things, and influencing factors for practical use and for integration into work organizational processes are derived. In addition, potential users can get to know the technology in introductory workshops and test the existing systems. The exoskeleton test center is integrated into the »Design of sociotechnical systems«clan.

Exoskeletons are support systems worn on the body and are designed to create physical relief for users. Exoskeletons offer the opportunity to design workplaces that cannot be ergonomically optimized either technically or organizationally in a more advantageous way and to reduce work-related risk factors. The aim is to prevent MSDs in the long term and to reduce downtime without substituting humans.

Within the framework of the test course, different locations at Fraunhofer IML will be used (picking test center, application center, staircases, etc.).