AWExo

The tension between a shortage of skilled workers and an ageing workforce poses particular challenges for many sectors. The construction industry is no exception in this regard. It involves a high degree of physical work resulting in a high amount of days of incapacity to work. Technical and organisational measures to reduce the strain are not always applicable. Here, exoskeletons offer great potential for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs).
In recent years, various systems have been developed for rehabilitation, military and industrial use. One of the main reasons for the low to non-existent implementation in the construction industry is the usability of exoskeletons under the conditions prevailing there (climate, intensity of work, dust exposure, special hazards of the workplace, etc.). Only slowly systems are coming onto the market that can also be used on construction sites. Furthermore
especially in the case of torso-supporting exoskeletons, there is a lack of both proven benefit of the systems in the construction industry as well as application experience. Not only is the effectiveness a key success factor, but also the acceptance of the exoskeletons by the employees.

The aim of this research project is to enable companies from the construction industry to use trunk-supporting exoskeletons in a targeted manner. To this end, the benefits of exoskeletons with regard to ergonomically risky movements in selected activity profiles are to be demonstrated on the basis of tests and biomechanical model calculations and combined with recommendations for introduction that promotes acceptance (participation, communication and qualification concepts). The results will be made available to the companies in the form of an action guide and workshops. By reducing health risks (MSDs, injuries, etc.), the project contributes to increasing the availability of employees and reducing absenteeism costs for companies so that competitiveness is increased.

The research project "AWExo" is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) under the funding code 22827 N of the Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag.