Pain, muscle tension, fatigue – for many employees, these are everyday companions. Exoskeletons relieve the body during strenuous activities, such as overhead work. People tire less and work without discomfort. Schmalz is expanding its manual handling portfolio with two versatile models.
Around 18 percent of all days of absence in Germany are caused by musculoskeletal disorders. Employees suffer from pain that limits their ability to work or often leads to absences. Companies need to compensate for this. The use of exoskeletons can noticeably reduce complaints and absenteeism, as they relieve the strain on the workforce. Ergonomic workstations are a decisive factor for fewer sick days and therefore greater operational efficiency. Powerful exoskeletons transform physical strain into almost effortless movements, while at the same time drastically reducing the risk of injury.
© J. Schmalz GmbH
Two solutions, many possible applications
Schmalz is expanding its handling portfolio with two exoskeleton models for typical lifting tasks in logistics and manufacturing. The Mate UBA trunk flexion exoskeleton supports the lower back when lifting and depositing goods – especially during repetitive tasks, for example when employees are picking from low shelves.
Another example is the loading and unloading of sheet metal processing machines. To do this, employees have to place heavy sheets on pallets or pick them up from there.
Thanks to the intuitive on/off function, employees can quickly and easily put the exoskeleton into operation and deactivate it just as easily when the work is done.
The Mate UTA upper body exoskeleton facilitates overhead work such as installing plasterboard on ceilings or loading and unloading freight containers stacked high. It specifically relieves the shoulder and neck muscles, supports the lifting of the arms and distributes the forces evenly. The highlight: the lightweight but extremely resilient carbon fiber structure ensures an ergonomic and fatigue-free posture.
The core mechanism in both systems is the so-called Torque Generating Box (TGB), which stores and converts potential mechanical energy to facilitate rotational movements. In contrast to conventional handling solutions, the exoskeletons do not require an external energy source. They are lightweight, mobile, suitable for outdoor use and support the body purely mechanically. The textile elements are washable, which preserves the longevity of the system, enables hygienic reuse and increases wearing comfort for the user.
© J. Schmalz GmbH
Back health as a competitive advantage
“Large, automated handling devices are not practical or economically viable in every production environment,” emphasizes Mattias Lindh, Head of the Handling business field and member of the company management. “Exoskeletons, on the other hand, are flexible to use, can be individually adapted to different users and allow natural freedom of movement.”
The lightweight construction and breathable materials ensure a high level of comfort without restricting mobility. The “mates” keep the wearer’s back free for every challenge. In this way, the focus remains on the person as a worker – strengthened, not replaced.
With the exoskeletons, Schmalz is expanding its portfolio in manual lifting technology. The company is thus further expanding its position as a holistic provider of ergonomic handling solutions – from dynamic lifting systems and precise process automation to body-supported lifting solutions – and thus offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios on the market.
“Our aim is to provide the best possible handling solution for every application, thereby strengthening our customers’ competitiveness in the long term,” explains Mattias Lindh. “By expanding our portfolio, we will be able to meet this requirement even better in the future.”
The tried-and-tested vacuum lifters and manipulators already ensure efficient work processes today, and now we are adding further relief for physically demanding tasks. “Thanks to the combination of technology, ergonomics and productivity, companies receive comprehensive solutions from a single source – for greater efficiency and less strain in day-to-day work,” says Mattias Lindh, summing up.
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