Lowe's Provides Non-Motorized, Wearable Exoskeletons to Employees
Laura McQuarrie — May 16, 2017 — Business
References: qz & digitaltrends
Working in a warehouse can be a job that required a lot of heavy lifting, so Lowe's has plans to provide wearable exoskeletons to assist its employees. For the project, Lowe's is working with the Innovation Labs and Virginia Tech’s Assistive Robotics Laboratory.
The wearable non-motorized prototype boasts a bow-shaped design, that is capable of transferring the energy of movements more effectively, making labor easier on an employee's muscles and joints. As Lowe's explains: "As they bend and stand, carbon fiber in the suit’s legs and back act like a taut bow ready to launch an arrow, helping them spring back up with greater ease."
As it stands, Lowe's is currently testing these exoskeletons at a store in Christiansburg, Virginia. Other retailers across multiple industries are also experimenting with the use of similar apparatuses to boost productivity by providing workers with tools to give them greater strength.
The wearable non-motorized prototype boasts a bow-shaped design, that is capable of transferring the energy of movements more effectively, making labor easier on an employee's muscles and joints. As Lowe's explains: "As they bend and stand, carbon fiber in the suit’s legs and back act like a taut bow ready to launch an arrow, helping them spring back up with greater ease."
As it stands, Lowe's is currently testing these exoskeletons at a store in Christiansburg, Virginia. Other retailers across multiple industries are also experimenting with the use of similar apparatuses to boost productivity by providing workers with tools to give them greater strength.
Trend Themes
1. Warehouse Worker Exoskeletons - Lowe's provides non-motorized, wearable exoskeletons to employees.
2. Wearable Exoskeleton Innovations - Developments in non-motorized exoskeleton technology create opportunities for improved labor and reduced physical strain.
3. Productivity-boosting Tools - The use of innovative apparatuses in various industries aims to enhance worker strength and increase overall productivity.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers like Lowe's are exploring exoskeleton technology to improve employee performance in warehouse settings.
2. Manufacturing - Exoskeletons have the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by reducing physical strain on workers performing repetitive tasks.
3. Logistics - The logistics sector can benefit from wearable exoskeletons to enhance worker capabilities in handling heavy loads and reduce the risk of injuries.
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