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BMW Workers Test Robo Suits at S. Carolina Plant
Workers at BMW AG’s Spartanburg, S.C., assembly plant have begun testing an “ekso vest” to help reduce muscle strain and fatigue.
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Workers at BMW AG’s Spartanburg, S.C., assembly plant have begun testing an “ekso vest” to help reduce muscle strain and fatigue.
The device, which spans from a user’s shoulders down to his or her feet, serves as a type of exoskeleton. The ergonomic design primarily supports the upper body, back and arms, especially when workers perform tasks that require heavy lifting and raising their arms high.
The initial pilot program involves about 30 workers, Spartanburg assembly planner Frank Pochiro tells Automotive News. He says the initial feedback has been very positive and that all of the participants want to continue to use the vests, which were developed by Richmond, Calif.-based Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc.
The devices can be used to aid users in a variety of plant floor jobs to improve productivity and safety while reducing fatigue, Pochiro says. He notes that they could be especially beneficial to older workers.
BMW currently is evaluating prototypes from two unnamed U.S. companies. Pochiro also sees the potential for a next-generation system that incorporates power controls to further enhance capabilities.
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