The Ekso EVO, via Ekso Bionics
A Couple of years ago, exoskeleton maker, Ekso Bionics, released the EksoVest, which was a lighter weight, upper body support mechanism that provided lift support to the wearer. After real world testing and customer feedback, Ekso Bionics has released the next generation of the EksoVest, called EVO.
Read moreHeavy lifting, exhausting overhead work, and awkward positions are just some of the perks of working in construction, but they can also lead to chronic back and shoulder pain for many later in life. One technology that I’ve been following pretty closely in the past few years has been exoskeletons, which promise to alleviate at least some of those problems. At a recent press event, Hilti has thrown their hat into the ring with an exoskeleton announcement of their own.
Read moreIt figures that right after I publish an article about 3 exoskeleton companies looking to change the way contractors work, I find a 4th one. Oh well, that’s how innovation works, I guess. This latest exoskeleton is in a class of it’s own though, as it specifically functions to reduce the physical stress of raking asphalt, stone, or soil.
Read morevia Levitate Technologies, Fraco, and Ekso Bionics
There’s no doubt that working on a construction site is hard work. Between lifting and carrying heavy materials, to using tools in overhead and other awkward positions, the barrier of entry to this industry can be a daunting task. By many accounts, this barrier is greatly contributing to the labor shortage.
Read moreEkso Bionics has been making exoskeletons since 2005. Originally designed with the military in mind, but then later shifted to physical therapy. In more recent years, they have begun targeting more physical professions, especially those with repetitive tasks or a lot of lifting. One of their most recent products is called the EksoVest.
Read moreI’m a firm believer that before robots start taking over construction jobs, we’ll first be working with robotics to make workers more efficient and our job sites more functional. Instead of using 3D printing robots to build an entire project, why not use them first to create intricate details and bring character back to buildings? Instead of pushing human labor out of the way, why not use robotics to enhance the abilities of our workers, to improve their health and productivity? With rise in development commercial exoskeletons, workers will soon be able to harness additional strength by just slipping on a suit.
Read moreOther than power tools, the construction industry has been historically slow to adapt to technology. We’re seeing some slow and subtle infiltration into the industry, but the most promising aspect is that more and more technology is being designed specifically for the construction professional. There’s a clear market opportunity and hundreds of companies are trying to get their piece of the pie.
Read morePhoto courtesy of Ekso Bionics
With the recent release of Avengers 2, there’s no better time to discuss the world’s first bionic suit made specifically with the construction industry in mind. Unfortunately, unlike the suit Iron Man wears, this one doesn’t allow you to fly or shoot beams out of your hands, but it does show some unbelievable upside for the productivity of a manual laborer.
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