Healthcare

Mechanical Exoskeleton

Published

8 January 2025

Mechanical Exoskeleton

An internal R&D project by MECAGINE

This project is part of an internal research and development initiative led by MECAGINE, an ADVANS Group entity, aimed at designing innovative solutions to improve health and safety at work.

Reducing risks related to manual handling

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in jobs involving manual handling or prolonged holding of heavy loads. These biomechanical constraints can be reduced through innovative solutions such as exoskeletons.

A clear objective: relieve operators

To design a mechanical exoskeleton that reduces strain on the upper limbs and transfers the load to the hips, in order to prevent MSDs and improve operator comfort.

A scalable solution developed in several phases

  • Phase 1: design of pivots (joints) to support the weight of goods.
  • Phase 2: extension to an exoskeleton covering the upper body, with a mechanical locking/unlocking system.
  • Phase 3: evolution toward a mechatronic solution integrating actuators, sensors, and a processing unit.
  • Phase 4: integration of the pivots into an ergonomic back structure, addition of pressure sensors, and optimization of back support.

Conclusion: progress in occupational health

This project illustrates how mechanical and mechatronic innovation can improve operator safety and comfort by reducing the risk of MSDs in demanding environments.

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Technical skills implemented

  • Industrial design.
  • Mechanical design.
  • Calculation and dimensioning.
  • Mechatronic systems.

Technologies

  • Mechanical and mechatronic pivots.
  • Integrated pressure sensors.
  • Actuators for automated locking.
  • Ergonomic back structure.

Quote

“We have reached phase 4 of our mechanical exoskeleton project. As a reminder, this is a long-running R&D effort that began several years ago and allows us to build knowledge that can be leveraged for other client projects.”

Nathan Vignon, MECAGINE Technical Manager