21 17/2023 Ergonomics were able to prove this with the Schweißtechnische Versuchsanstalt Hamburg. Right across the street from the ExoPark, the Exoworkathlon® trial by Fraunhofer IPA and the University of Stuttgart IFF is taking place with young workers. Exoskeletons for supporting the upper extremity and lower back are being researched on aspects such as the effect on the performance of activities, acceptance, subjective relief and quality criteria of the work on so-called courses, realistically simulated work activities. This is one of the largest ongoing prospective exoskeleton studies worldwide with more than 100 subjects so far. We are planning a live performance of different courses from areas with heavy physical work such as logistics and assembly with young work experts from the respective industries in Düsseldorf. This will provide the opportunity to talk to exoskeleton manufacturers, users and scientists, to exchange ideas and share experiences. What‘s happening in research? WearRAcon Europe Conference 2023 also at A&A. What are the long-term effects of exoskeletons? This is challenging to ascertain. Therefore it would be even more important that the painstakingly collected large studies of Ford USA and Toyota USA would be read, analyzed and discussed in Germany. For unknown reasons, this is not happening. Both groups were able to demonstrably reduce illness costs internally over several years through the use of exoskeletons. Intensive research is being done on new solutions to better and better match the match of perceived support, wearing comfort and everyday flexibility. Instead of Stuttgart, the WearRAcon Europe conference will be held in Düsseldorf during the A&A in 2023 to further intensify the successful cooperation between Fraunhofer IPA and the A&A. This Englishlanguage technical conference for exoskeletons will take place on October 25 and 26, synchronized with the BASI Congress and the GfA Conference. Over two days, market needs, specifications, technology research, ergonomics and usability of exoskeletons will be excitingly highlighted by experts and prominent end users from across Europe. Many exoskeleton manufacturers will also present their systems there in lectures. For interested visitors, coordinated programming with the BASI Congress and the GfA Conference will provide a large knowledge portfolio for occupational safety professionals, ergonomists, workers and researchers. Exoskeletons and secondary prevention Can industrial exoskeletons then also be used for existing back pain at work? Basically, the more than one hundred systems available on the market are intended for use on healthy people, i.e. for so-called primary prevention. Some systems are also explicitly indicated for healthy people only in the instructions for use. The principle of „rehabilitation before retirement“ applies in Germany for employees of all ages. Therefore, the question arises whether in certain cases (TOP principle please always consider!) workers can benefit from exoskeletons that reduce a local stress. The question is new, so we held a symposium at Rehacare 2022 on the topic of „Vocational Rehabilitation of Tomorrow“ and discussed this very topic with visitors to the fair. At the next annual meeting of the Inclusion Offices in Stuttgart, we will follow up on this topic and discuss how these systems can also support people who already suffer from physical ailments. At this year‘s A&A, just like at Rehacare 2024, we will create further opportunities for exchange. Urban Daub and his colleagues look forward to constructive discussions with you.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzYxOTg=