Comau introduces MATE Fit for Workers, a new exoskeleton that helps workers perform heavy work by reducing the physical strain of it. Not only can workers' productivity be increased with the help of the exoskeleton, MATE can also prevent work-related injuries.
Exoskeletons are not new and are being used in various sectors. Students from TU Delft, for example, are working within Project MARCH on an exoskeleton that allows paraplegics to walk again. Together with paraplegic patient Ruben de Sain, the TU Delft team took part in the 2017 Cybathlon Experience, a competition for bionic para-athletes in Germany. Exoskeletons also offer opportunities in the manufacturing industry. For instance, exoskeletons can support employees in performing strenuous tasks and alleviate, remedy or prevent work-related complaints.
Passive system
Comau is also betting on exoskeletons with MATE. MATE uses a spring to compensate for physical strain and help users lift heavy objects, for example. The system is passive, meaning no motors or batteries are used. Comau claims that this improves the reliability of the system, as it reduces the number of failure-prone components in the exoskeleton.
The exoskeleton is compact and has an ergonomic design; Comau states that MATE is able to precisely replicate all movements of the shoulders, while the exoskeleton adheres to the body like a 'second skin'. To make this possible, Comau collaborated in the design of MATE with Icelandic orthopaedic company Össur and IUVO, a spin-off of Italy's The BioRobotics Institute and specialising in wearable technology.
Specifically aimed at industry
Tobias Daniel, Vice President Robotics and Automation Products Global Sales & Marketing at Comau, explains that end-users were closely involved in the development of MATE. As a result, the design of the exoskeleton is tailored to the specific needs of these users. Comau expects about a third of all exoskeletons worldwide to be aimed at the industrial sector, making this a key market for exoskeletons. With MATE, Comau is specifically targeting industry.
MATE does not only help relieve physical strain when performing heavy work. MATE also helps to:
- reducing muscle fatigue;
- improving employees' posture and thereby preventing work-related injuries;
- improving the accuracy with which repetitive tasks are performed;
- improving the overall quality of work delivered.
Seven levels of support
Users decide to what extent they are supported by the exoskeleton, choosing between seven different levels. Comau reports that the level is selected based on the task being performed combined with the anthropometric and ergonomic characteristics of its user. The exoskeleton is available in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. All parts in contact with the human body can be adjusted to the end user's specific body shape, for which five positions are available. The suit weighs 3 kilograms.
Some examples of applications of MATE include:
- Assembling or packaging products.
- Filling machines or removing finished products from conveyor belts.
- Picking up heavy objects.
- Operating vibrating hand tools.
- Manipulating materials.
- Adhesives.
- Drilling.
- Paints.
MATE is the first model in a series of exoskeletons that Comau plans to develop in collaboration with Össur and IUVO. With these exoskeletons, Comau intends to target not only industry, but also healthcare and consumers.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: Comau (source)
