Exoskeleton Providing Hope to Injured Workers and Prevention to the Uninjured

Robotic technology has quickly progressed from ideas to limbs to entire exoskeletons that can help the paralyzed walk. Now it is expanding to help prevent work injury in able-bodied individuals. What could this mean for workers in the future? What does it mean for them now? The following explains further, and provides some important information for those facing a serious work injury today.

The best way to “treat” workplace injuries is to prevent them altogether. This is the current movement of bionic exoskeletons – to provide additional support to body parts that are frequently injured in the workplace, such as the back, legs, and shoulders. Able to be worn together or individually, they assist the worker with common and/or repetitive manual tasks, like carrying, squatting, and lifting.

The team that developed the technology recently tested it to determine just how effective it might be. What they found was that the backX (the bionic technology that supports the back) could potentially reduce back injuries by as much as 60 percent. This can be especially helpful in industries where heavy lifting is a common source of injury. However, researchers say that it is not only heavy lifting that can lead to back injury. When done frequently enough, even light lifting can cause damage to the back.

Back injuries and injuries to the spine are not always minor. In fact, some are severe enough to cause permanent disability or paralysis. For these injured employees, the return to work may not ever be possible. However, the bionic technology could potentially help give them back at least some mobility.

Weighing just 27 pounds, the suit attaches to standard orthotics and allows the wearer to travel up to 1.1 miles per hour by pushing buttons that are integrated into a pair of crutches. It also has a battery pack, which can enable up to eight hours of use. Unfortunately, it may not work for everyone since at least upper body control would be needed to control the suit and remain upright. It should also be noted that even eligible individuals may need to work their way up to the full walking time.

If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP can help. Compassionate to your situation and dedicated to your best interests, we protect your rights, every step of the way. We will fight to get you the settlement that you deserve. Schedule your consultation with our San Jose workplace injury lawyers to learn more. Call us at (408) 289-1417 today.

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• This $40,000 Robotic Exoskeleton Lets the Paralyzed Walk