Exoskeletons and workers: Augmented super strength to enhance worker safety

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 28, 2022

Insight summary

Exoskeletons, once designed for physical rehabilitation, are transforming industries by enhancing human strength and endurance, with applications ranging from military to manufacturing. Beyond boosting worker productivity and safety, these wearable devices are poised to redefine leisure activities, support seniors with mobility limitations, and even help those with severe physical injuries regain independence. The long-term implications include shifts in automation strategies, creation of new consumer markets, changes in regulations, and the emergence of specialized service providers.

Exoskeleton and workers context

Exoskeletons, sometimes referred to as exosuits or wearable robots, are machines originally developed for physical rehabilitation. They are increasingly finding applications in the military and in construction and manufacturing workplaces due to their ability to provide wearers with enhanced strength and endurance. Exoskeletons of varying forms are already in trial use in militaries, factories, and warehouses around the world. With ongoing advancements and growing interest, they are expected to see more widespread adoption by the early 2030s.

An example of this technology is Sarcos Robotics, which spent 30 years and USD $300 million to develop the Sarcos Guardian XO, a 24-degrees-of-freedom, full-body robotic exoskeleton. It enables the operator to safely lift and manipulate up to 200 pounds (90 kilograms) without fatigue or strain. Another example is Professor Kazerooni, director of the University of California's Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory, who is developing the so-called SuitX. Major companies like General Motors and Fiat are currently testing this technology to ease muscle fatigue among their manufacturing plant workers, showing the potential for exoskeletons to enhance worker productivity and safety.

Meanwhile, Swedish firm Bioservo has developed an exoskeleton glove called the Iron Hand. The glove can strengthen the wearer's grip strength by 20 percent for extended periods. This trend in exoskeleton development is not limited to full-body suits but extends to specific body parts, allowing for more targeted applications. 

Disruptive impact 

Devices that support a person's frame while lifting or moving heavy objects will fundamentally change how certain jobs are done, particularly in industries that require manual labor. Improvements to worker productivity are largely a given, but the impact goes beyond efficiency. These exosuits will also positively impact health and safety, taking the strain off human bodies. By protecting the wearer's shoulders, neck, head, and back from injury due to overexertion, they may reduce workplace injuries and associated costs.

The potential applications of exoskeleton technology extend beyond the workplace and into the leisure industry. Imagine a future where exosuits support people's knees as they go on long hikes, enabling more individuals to enjoy outdoor activities without the fear of strain or injury. This trend could open up new opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation businesses, catering to a broader range of customers. It may also encourage a healthier lifestyle by making physically demanding activities more accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

Furthermore, exoskeletons could significantly improve the independence of seniors struggling with mobility limitations and those suffering from major physical injuries. For instance, they could eventually help people with spinal injuries to walk again. Governments and healthcare providers may need to consider how to integrate these devices into existing healthcare systems, ensuring that they are accessible and affordable to those who could benefit most from them.

Implications of exoskeletons for workers

Wider implications of exoskeletons for workers may include:

• Companies investing in worker exoskeletons to address heavy lifting tasks instead of deploying industrial robots, leading to a shift in automation strategies and preserving human roles in the workplace.
• Labor-intensive industries like manufacturing and agriculture changing fundamentally as their workforces will suffer far fewer injuries from hard physical labor, thereby saving firms millions of dollars in lost man-hours, medical costs, and disability payments.
• The development of exoskeletons for personal use, leading to a new consumer market that could alter the way people engage in recreational activities and daily tasks.
• Governments and regulatory bodies creating new standards and regulations for exoskeleton use, leading to a more structured approach to safety, ethics, and accessibility in various industries.
• The integration of exoskeleton technology into healthcare and rehabilitation programs, leading to more effective treatment plans and potentially reducing healthcare costs for patients with mobility issues.
• A shift in the educational and training requirements for workers in industries adopting exoskeleton technology, leading to a need for specialized skills and knowledge in operating and maintaining these devices.
• The potential reduction in the carbon footprint of industries through the use of energy-efficient exoskeletons instead of heavy machinery, leading to more environmentally friendly practices in sectors like construction and manufacturing.
• The possibility of exoskeletons extending the working age of individuals, leading to demographic shifts in the workforce and potentially affecting retirement policies and social security systems.
• The emergence of new business models centered around exoskeleton rentals, maintenance, and customization, leading to the growth of specialized service providers and new economic opportunities.
• The ethical considerations surrounding the use of exoskeletons in competitive sports or other areas where physical ability is measured, leading to debates and potential regulations to ensure fairness and integrity in these fields.

Questions to consider

• What kind of applications are there for exoskeletons within your industry or company?
• What kind of exosuit applications are there for general consumers?