Exoskeleton Trials

Astins, in partnership with Wates and developer Capco, are carrying out trials using exoskeletons to investigate their ability to reduce long term musculo-skeletal disorders. In the construction industry, due to the manual nature of some of the work, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is high and in the worst cases can shorten people’s working lives as well as worsening their general quality of life. As this risk can be particularly acute in the dry lining industry, this month Astins and Wates organised a practical demonstration of an exoskeleton system at Capco/KFI’s Lillie Square site in London with a view to longer term trials.

At the Lillie Square project Comau demonstrated their MATE exoskeleton to members of the Astins and Wates teams, explaining the product and detailing the extensive testing it had been subject to before arriving at the current production model. This was then trialled on site by a member of staff from Astins. As per feedback from this demonstration, we will be carrying out longer term trials in the near future.

The exoskeleton is designed to support the whole upper body of the operative, encouraging good posture and giving assisted lift capability. This support and good posture are crucial as in the dry lining industry as there is a risk of long term musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive stresses on the body.

Astins prides itself on putting the health and wellbeing of its staff to the forefront of everything we do.