Real-life Iron Man suit for factory workers developed in Europe

The European Union Robo-Mate project has developed a robotic exoskeleton that can help factory workers carry heavy loads.

According to project researchers, the Robo-Mate exoskeleton makes loads up to 10 times easier to lift or carry. The first prototype was presented at Fraunhofer IAO in Stuttgart on 12 June, making it the first exoskeleton developed for use in manufacturing.

With humans still needed to carry out a lot of demanding tasks related to production and assembly, often lifting and carrying heavy material throughout the day, damage to the spine and other health problems are common.

“Our exoskeleton prototype consists of modules for the arms, the trunk of the body and the legs,” said Dr. Wernher van de Venn, coordinator of the Robo-Mate project and Head of the Institute of Mechatronic Systems at Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland.

The Robo-Mate exoskeleton supports the user’s arms and legs as well as protects their back and supports their posture. The arm modules are attached to the upper and lower arms, while the leg modules support the user’s legs by stabilizing their inner thighs. The trunk module stabilizes and protects the user’s back and spinal column. — Bea Montenegro/BM, GMA News