5 preconceived ideas about exoskeletons

There are many misconceptions about exoskeletons. To help you better understand what an exoskeleton really is or not, we wanted to share with you the ones that come up the most often.

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 exosquelettes et ses idées reçues

1- “Exoskeletons are the only solution to the TMS problem.”

Before considering the integration of physical assistance devices or robots (DAP/RAP), it is necessary to establish, beforehand, a global approach torisk analysis including health indicators and human resources management.

This is followed by the implementation of preventive actions, whether organizational, human, workplace ergonomics, or automation arrangements... no option should be put aside.

It is only after using this risk analysis approach that a company will be able to consider the integration of physical assistance solutions such as exoskeletons.

At Japet, our team of product experts supports you in your approach to improving the quality of life at work.

2- “The use of an exoskeleton is adapted to any type of position.”

An exoskeleton is a solution to a targeted problem; it cannot cover the whole body or adapt perfectly to each work situation.

The need for physical assistance is specific. It is therefore important to understand and identify the worker in difficulty and/or the workstation at risk.

The specificity of using an exoskeleton means that it cannot be used for all tasks combined.

The analysis of the targeted position must therefore assess the physical workload of the position and of each of the tasks of the position.

At Japet, make a free online diagnosis in order to validate the suitability of the product for the targeted workplace.

3- “Exoskeletons are heavy and require a lot of adjustments.”

The weight and the quantity of adjustments of an exoskeleton can be an obstacle to their use. The manufacturers understood this and sought to optimize them by reducing their weight and making them easier to adjust.

Today, we find exoskeletons that weigh less than 5 kg, are less and less bulky and have few adjustments.

However, as with any new piece of equipment, there is time to get familiar with the settings.

Good to know: the weight of an exoskeleton varies according to the technology chosen during its design.

The Japet W. weighs less than 2 kg

The + of Japet: our support! We train the user and a referent in the installation and use of the exoskeleton.

4- “Exoskeletons lighten the weight of the load carried and increase the force tenfold.”

The purpose of exoskeletons is not to increase human abilities but to assist humans in certain demanding tasks and postures: they do not lighten the weight of the load !

Via their mechanical or robotic system, they limit the impact of the load on the part of the body targeted by the exoskeleton (the arm, the back, the neck, etc.)

In companies, they are used as a technical preventive solution to avoid the risk of occurrence or worsening of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at work when the layout of the workplace proves impossible.

Japet W. prevents back MSDs and relieves lower back pain.

5- “The integration of an exoskeleton into a business is immediate.”

Integrating an exoskeleton into a business requires several steps including the objectives are multiple :

  • Support integrators in decision-making and the implementation of the exoskeleton within the company,
  • Ensure that the use is adapted to the collaborator and to the tasks he will perform, through stages of assessment of the need.
  • Finally, gather feedback in order to adjust the use if necessary.

At Japet, we support you throughout the integration of Japet.W with personalized follow-up with employees.

Contributeur·e·s
Japet Medical est une entreprise certifiée ISO 13485

Optez pour un partenaire qui comprend votre métier et la réalité du terrain.

Nos experts terrain sont tous issus du biomédical, de la santé au travail et de l'ergonomie. Ils connaissent les problématiques de TMS que vous rencontrez mais aussi les contraintes des professionnels, et sauront vous dire si les exosquelettes pourront apporter un bénéfice à vos collaborateurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there grants to finance exoskeletons?

Today, financial aid for exoskeletons is rare and limited to a few specific cases, reach out to your local health administration to learn more.

How do you know if an exoskeleton is suitable for a workstation?

Leave us your contact details, our experts call you back to study the positions at risk or with severe constraints that you have identified. They will guide you to a relevant solution.

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The different exoskeletons in occupational health and safety

“Having an exoskeleton that is also well suited to lower back pain really puts it at the top of the active exoskeletons that can be marketed.”Benoît Sagot Duvauroux, head of the Gobio exoskeleton business for the Europe Technology Group and exoskeleton expert, talks to us today about the different characteristics of exoskeletons available on the market.