There are active and passive exoskeletons, can you briefly explain the difference?

Exoskeletons reduce the physical strain at the workplace by reducing the muscle forces required for the activities. Depending on their design, they can also redirect some of the load from more sensitive areas of the body to stronger areas. Passive and active exoskeletons are similar in this respect. Passive exoskeletons use spring elements such as elastic bands or gas pressure springs to provide support, for example when lifting the arms. However, the energy absorbed must be generated again in the opposite direction by human movement, for example by actively lowering the arms.

Active exoskeletons have drives with their own energy sources such as batteries, which means they are not dependent on the user's power. Passive exoskeletons offer less support, but are often lighter. Active exoskeletons are more flexible when it comes to adapting to different work profiles, for example by changing the direction of movement, strength and deployment.

What are the challenges in the development and use of exoskeletons?

As a developer, it is essential to analyze the stressful activities. To do this, we ask employees about their experiences and supplement them with data from our biomechanical workplace analyses. We determine how the exoskeleton can support the interaction between people and their working environment. This enables us to develop a product that combines the required support with the necessary freedom of movement in the best possible way. This process clearly shows that exoskeletons always address a specific area of activity. We advise our customers on which type of exoskeleton is suitable for their work processes. The exoskeleton can then be tested for suitability and acceptance at the respective workplace together with the workforce.

How will exoskeletons change the future world of work?

Where physically demanding jobs continue to exist, exoskeletons will become a permanent fixture. The digital linking of exoskeletons with production systems could, for example, adapt the performance of exoskeletons directly to the goods to be handled in the future - which would provide additional relief for employees. The sensor technology built into exoskeletons makes the ergonomic challenges at workplaces and the support potential of exoskeletons transparent for occupational physicians and ergonomists. On this basis, the strain on employees can be minimized. We have laid the foundation for this with the S700 active exoskeleton.

This article appeared in issue 9/23