What led you to start the process of using exoskeletons?
During visits to warehouses around the world, I was able to observe common problems concerning the ergonomics of workstations.
In concrete terms, at the Geneva warehouse, we have employees with a fairly high average age and who have more or less proven back problems - who will from a simple one-day stop for low back pain to longer stops (a few weeks) for triple disc herniation.
Obviously, we started with a Review of the ergonomics of workstations but when employees are already suffering there are few solutions left.
Integrating exoskeletons is therefore part of a global health approach., linked to an awareness of the importance of maintaining the physical integrity of employees. It is our role as managers to take care of them, to help them maintain their health capital throughout their careers.
Why did you choose the Japet.W exoskeleton?
We had already identified the problem of low back pain in our company when I met the Japet team at a trade show.
I was convinced that the exoskeleton could provide assistance during repeated efforts involving the back, and that he could particularly Help an employee suffering from lumbar pathology.
In an effort to help and job retention, the medical background, the involvement of doctors specialized in the development of the exoskeleton and the studies carried out by Japet reassured the various stakeholders in the company, whether the targeted user, occupational doctors or management.
We also talked at length aboutAccompaniment of Japet during the integration of the exoskeleton, and, once again, the approach integrated all the actors in the project.
Everything was very structured, it's reassuring.
How is the Japet.W exoskeleton perceived by the user?
For the user it has become a essential work tool. He told me, several times, that without the exoskeleton, he would not have come to work because of painful episodes. Knowing that the exoskeleton is waiting for him at work reassures and motivates him.
He was Very quickly appropriate the equipment which significantly reduces the feeling of discomfort or even pain when handling heavy loads or repetitive movements.
What is your track record as an integrator?
As expected, The exoskeleton relieves lower back pain and discomfort while helping the operator to perform certain delicate tasks.
Finally, what I did not anticipate was thepositive impact of the approach on all employees. Everyone was pleasantly surprised that the aim was to improve their well-being and maintain their health at work.
