Exoskeletons for Construction: Which Model for Which Job?
Practical guide to choosing an exoskeleton suitable for construction jobs: mason, plumber, electrician, painter, roofer.
Lire →How exoskeletons reduce MSDs in warehouses and logistics. Picking, order preparation, loading: solutions tailored to each position.
Logistics: A High-Risk Sector for MSDs
Logistics and handling are among the sectors most affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Ground picking, carrying packages, repetitive movements: operators perform an average of 150 to 300 bends per day, with loads ranging from 5 to 25 kg.
Lower back pain alone accounts for 20% of workplace accidents in the sector. The cost to companies is considerable: sick leave, turnover, decreased productivity.
The Most Affected Positions
Order Picker
- Repeated bending for ground picking and low shelving
- Lifting packages weighing 5 to 20 kg, sometimes more
- 7 to 8 hours of standing each day
Recommended solution: passive dorsal exoskeleton, ultra-lightweight, which assists bending without hindering walking between aisles.
Forklift Operator / Handler
- Lifting heavy loads (20-30 kg)
- Trunk rotation movements
- Loading/unloading trucks
Recommended solution: dorsal exoskeleton with strong lifting assistance. An active model may be justified if loads regularly exceed 20 kg.
Dock Worker
- Carrying variable and unpredictable loads
- Dynamic environment (trucks, pallet jacks)
- Fast-paced work
Recommended solution: versatile passive exoskeleton, which does not hinder quick movements and supports variable loads.
Concrete Results Observed
Field feedback in the logistics sector shows:
- Reduction of 30 to 40% in lower back fatigue by the end of the day
- Decrease in pain within the first week
- High adoption rate when the exoskeleton weighs less than 1.5 kg
- Measurable ROI within 6 months through reduced sick leave
Keys to Deployment in Warehouses
- Involve operators: have them participate in model selection
- Test for 1 to 2 weeks before ordering for an entire team
- Provide appropriate sizes: a single model does not fit all
- Train team leaders: they are the first adopters
- Measure impact: before/after questionnaire, monitoring of absences
Discover Our Warehouse Tests
Check out our field tests conducted in real conditions in logistics warehouses, and our dedicated logistics page to see the recommended models.
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