Great innovation at HF's logistics center in Ansbach: after extensive testing, two electrically operated exoskeletons are being used there for the first time. They are designed to support employees who move large-volume items weighing more than 31.5 kilograms when lifting heavy parts. The exoskeletons stabilize the lumbar spine and relieve the strain on the back muscles.
The lumbar spine is relieved - carrying becomes easier
"This reduces the effort required, reduces the risk of accidents and thus protects health," says Volker Weidemann, Managing Director of Hermes Fulfilment Ansbach. In the past, bulky goods were usually carried by hand in order to pick furniture or electrical appliances onto pallets close to the floor and then transport them to the high shelves. This puts even more strain on the lower back of anyone who adopts a bent posture, as the weight lifted puts pressure on the lumbar spine.
In order to protect the health of employees, two devices were initially purchased at a total cost of around 34,000 euros. They weigh around seven kilograms and are worn like hiking rucksacks. They are attached to the body with adjustable straps. "There are electric motors at the height of the iliac crest that support the lifting movements with a tensile force of up to 27 kilograms," says Volker. "This significantly reduces the force exerted on the lumbar spine when picking furniture and large appliances and redirects it to the hips and legs." In addition to the physical relief, an additional benefit is that lifting and carrying is easier.
Model: insects, crabs and lobsters!
The robotic suits may take some getting used to at first, but the feedback from employees has been positive: the respective device settings can be called up via a PIN so that the exoskeleton automatically adapts to the respective employee. "This means they can also be used by different colleagues without having to be set up again each time," says Volker.
Incidentally, the developers copied the principle of an exoskeleton from the animal kingdom: Many insects, crabs or lobsters have exoskeletons that stabilize their bodies from the outside. Similar devices have been used as medical aids for years, for example for patients with paralysis. Now the power backpacks are also being used in logistics: if the tests at other HF locations are also positive, further devices will be purchased. So far, around 150 employees in Ansbach have already been able to experience the future of logistics live.