Although exoskeletons have proven benefits and can significantly improve the working environment, they do have some drawbacks. They cost money, can be somewhat complicated to use, and take time to put on and take off. They can be uncomfortable to wear at times, especially when working in hot conditions.
Yes, exoskeletons can solve problems and improve the working day for millions of people around the world, but they do not solve all the problems encountered. So before you consider whether an exoskeleton can help you in your work, you should look at other factors first.
- Can the work be changed? Is it possible to change the tasks so that the work is less strenuous on the body? Can the workflow be changed to reduce the strain on the body, or to allow time for breaks and recovery between the most demanding tasks?
- Can the workplace be changed? Can the work table be raised or lowered? Can the object the worker is working with be placed at a different angle or height, for example? Can a rubber mat be used to reduce back pain?
- Can other equipment help? Should a different machine or tool be used to make the job easier? If a vacuum lifter can be used, for example, this is often a better solution than asking the person doing the lifting to wear an exoskeleton.
We at Eksonor are not experts in ergonomics, but we know enough to realise that an exoskeleton is not always the best tool for the job, and it is rare that one should consider using an exoskeleton before looking at other solutions. Look at the whole job and change what you can with other measures. If it's clear at that point that an exoskeleton is what's needed to make the job more manageable and less tiring, you can use the exoskeleton with a clear conscience.