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Construction environments are typically high-risk for injury and while the "Focus Four" highlights common hazards for workers, it leaves off another important factor - back injury.
Construction health and safety utilizes a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedures to mitigate risk on site. With the addition of newer wearable technologies, more and more teams are implementing exoskeleton tools in their kits to add additional measures to protect against musculoskeletal lower back pain and injury.
We are revolutionizing construction in Poland. First, by mechanizing them – equipping them with mini-cranes, thanks to which walls are built, or rather assembled, several times faster. Now we are introducing another innovation – the Cray X exoskeleton from German Bionic. It supports contractors in lifting and moving heavy construction elements. We are testing the possibility of using the exoskeleton to relieve bricklayers and construction assemblers. The opinions so far are very encouraging. It is worth emphasizing that relieving the spine allows effective work on the construction site, also for older people, i.e. very valuable, experienced employees.
Xella's Apogee exoskeleton represents a breakthrough in construction technology, offering practical support to lighten the workload of workers while enhancing their overall well-being. Through extensive testing in various countries, Xella has refined the Apogee to become a vital tool for modern construction sites.
Until recently, the exoskeleton was associated with a prop from science fiction films. However, the future is already here... on Polish construction sites, thanks to Xella Polska. The company is testing the exoskeleton in construction site conditions. The device significantly relieves the employee when lifting, carrying and holding heavy masonry elements - even up to 30* kg.
We are conducting tests, among others, on the construction site in Głubczyce. Once again, the opinions are positive - the exoskeleton facilitates the work of bricklayers and reduces fatigue of construction workers. The device is also a chance for older, experienced bricklayers. It allows them to perform construction work without the risk of injury.
*now, in Apogee, it's 36 kg.
Areas and tasks most common for exoskeleton use:
Exoskeletons for Loading/Unloading
Loading and unloading tools and materials from trucks to work sites is a frequent task for construction workers and one not always viable for help from equipment. The addition of a wearable exoskeleton provides a more flexible tool for workers when performing these tasks. By providing up to 36kg (80lbs) of weight compensation and active walking assistance, workers can feel safe and less fatigued.
Exoskeletons for Lifts
Whether it's removing debris or carrying materials to a work site, construction workers perform frequent, heavy lifts throughout their day which put them at risk of injuring their backs. Exoskeleton tools can mitigate these risks with added protection and assistance in ensuring proper lifts.
Exoskeletons for Assembly & Installation Tasks
A construction exoskeleton also helps in occupational safety when it comes to assembly and installation tasks. Whether lifting heavy items like granite or scaffolding that require additional lifting support or bending over to lay tile or bricks that require lower back posture support, there are endless opportunities where a powered exo suit can help workers.
About Xella Group
The Xella Group employs over 4,500 people and is one of the world leaders in the field of building and insulation materials. It is one of the world's largest producers of aerated concrete and silicate. It combines global operations with a strong local character.
Xella is headquartered in Duisburg, Germany, with 58 production sites and a sales network in more than 21 countries. In many of these markets, it is the industry leader. The company owes its success to strong premium brands, excellent service quality, a robust business model and a systematically developed cost leadership strategy.
Xella is also a pioneer in digital services for construction projects. Xelli products are made from natural raw materials, so they have a minimal environmental impact. Xella's sustainability efforts have also been recognized by external ESG experts. In July 2023, the company was recognized as a leader in its industry by the independent ESG rating agency Sustainalytics. With a score of 17.5 and a low risk profile, Xella ranked second among 142 building materials companies worldwide.
About German Bionic
German Bionic is a European robotics firm that develops and manufactures smart power suits and other wearable technologies. It was the world’s first company to deliver connected exoskeletons for the workplace, applying self-learning and artificial intelligence to support lifting movements and prevent poor posture, and thereby becoming an intelligent link between humans and machines. The German Bionic smart power suits and wearables protect the health of workers and markedly reduce the risk of accidents and injury to consequently improve work processes. In recognition of this innovative technology, which puts people back at the center of Industry 4.0, German Bionic has received numerous awards, including the CES 2023 “Best of Innovation” Award, the Fast Company “Innovation by Design Award”, the German Entrepreneur Award, and a nomination for the prestigious Hermes Award at the Hannover Messe. German Bionic is headquartered in the USA and Germany with offices in Boston, Berlin, Augsburg, Tokio and now in Denver (Exonr Technolgy, Official Representative and Distributor German Bionic in Colorado).
Contact us and within a few days we will come to you to give a free demonstration of the exoskeleton, as well as make an ROI calculation and provide any information, including contacts of our clients for feedback and a meeting with an engineer from German Bionic.
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