What started as a type of physical rehabilitation, has now infiltrated the construction industry to assist with jobs and ensure safety. Construction exoskeletons make work easier and take strain off workers.
These robotic suits have slowly started making waves in the industry. While there are still many construction companies that haven’t taken the leap, this is the future of the construction industry.
These suits perform a range of tasks such as drilling into walls, holding heavy equipment, and screwing in car bolts. Below, we take a look at how these futuristic suits can aid the construction industry.
What Are Exoskeletons In Construction?
Exoskeletons are metal, motorized machines built to fit around a person’s body. These mechanical machines serve a different purpose depending on the part of the body they are fitted to.
For example, some exoskeletons fit around the worker’s arms and waist to increase their physical strength. However, some suits fit around the entire worker’s body to reduce strain and increase endurance.
Some machines have fitted tools to assist with grasping, screwing, and drilling. These suits usually fit around the worker’s arms and torso.
So, exoskeletons can either be full-body suits or only fit around a certain part of the body. This will depend on the purpose it needs to fulfill.
Types Of Exoskeletons In Construction
Mechanical
These exoskeletons do not use any electricity. They are extremely beneficial in the industry as they do not require any charging or a connection to a power source.
Their main purpose is to redistribute weight from one area of the body to another. For example, moving it from the arms and shoulder to one’s core or waist.
Partially or Fully Electric
These exoskeletons require a power source or charging. They are, however, slightly more powerful than mechanical suits. Because of the power source, they are able to target specific areas and increase strength or pressure as and when needed.
3 Different Construction Exoskeletons Products
There are several different kinds of exoskeleton suits. Each serves a different purpose. The more recent exoskeletons are engineered to focus and assist a specific body part. The other type of exoskeleton is in the form of a full bodysuit.
The Mounted Arm Exosuit
This exoskeleton assists with the weight and strain on a construction worker’s arm when it comes to drilling or screwing items.
Essentially, this exoskeleton is a tool-holding device. It consists of a spring-loaded arm that connects to a lower-body exoskeleton and a counterweight. The arm device will hold the heavy tool needed to complete the work while balanced by the attached counterweight.
This exoskeleton enables workers to complete the job efficiently, quickly, and safely. Some examples include the EksoVest.
The Overhead Exosuit
Overhead installations are some of the most straining work on the lower body. So it’s a no-brainer that construction workers benefit from an overhead exosuit.
These suits reduce the physical load on workers’ arms, necks, and back. They are particularly beneficial when it comes to installing ductwork or ceiling sprinklers.
Importantly, these suits are specifically designed to provide the necessary support without limiting the range of motion of the torso and the arms of the construction workers. This is essential when carrying out overhead work.
Whole-Body Suits
As the name suggests, this exoskeleton suit fits around the whole body. It provides maximum strength with very little strain on both the upper and lower body. There are electrical and mechanical suits on the market.
The whole body suit assists with lifting loads, redistributing weight, and preventing injury.
Benefits Of Exoskeletons In The Construction Industry
Exoskeletons do not only assist with increasing strength, endurance, and accuracy. They are also a great initiative to ensure a safer construction industry and create employment.
Safety
The exoskeleton machines allow for the equal distribution of weight. As a result, there is a far less physical strain on workers when carrying out tasks. This also means there is a decreased risk of long-term injury to workers. Ultimately, the decreased strain also increases workers’ endurance.
Employment Opportunities
The exoskeleton suits mean that workers who were once limited by age and or physical capability, are still able to do the work with the assistance of the machine.
As a result, workers are employed for a longer period of time or may even be able to go back to work after retirement if the need arises.
Final Thoughts On Construction Exoskeletons
Exoskeleton suits are becoming more and more popular in the construction industry and it’s easy to see why. This futuristic suit provides benefits to both the workers and the industry.
With the assistance of the right suit for the job, workers experience fewer injuries while still increasing the productivity and efficiency of the work on site. Plus, it creates a safer work environment for all involved in the project.
All in all, a great addition to any construction project!