Audi wants to look after its workers by introducing an exoskeleton

There are many aspects of the automotive world that capture our attention but, unconsciously, we tend to forget about other equally important ones. This is the case of those workers who build the vehicles, who suffer constant muscular and physical discomfort. However, Audi has taken this situation into account and has decided to remedy it thanks to the new technology available today. In this way, the exoskeleton has been developed, designed to minimise any muscular problem.

It is true that this technology does not come directly from a car, but we can find several related elements. The goal of the four-ring brand is to prevent injuries among its workers and, at the same time, promote the health of its entire workforce. This unusual experiment allows anyone who wears it to protect themselves from any harm and to help adopt a correct back posture.

It is a structure weighing approximately three kilograms, and it is put on like any other garment. Once inserted over our head, it is anchored to the hip, always seeking support points where the exoskeleton is beneficial for the user. This new system allows the workers at Audi to have strong support when carrying out certain activities, such as bending forward to lift heavy objects.

But it not only provides greater balance to carry out the assigned tasks more easily, it also reduces back strain by between 20 and 30%. At the same time, the low weight and ergonomic structure of the exoskeleton allow users to move with complete freedom. Audi has already begun to put this new device into use, specifically in its plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

“Ergonomic work practices are a high priority in all areas of Audi, including production and logistics. With the exoskeleton, or the ergoskeleton, as we also call it at Audi, we promote healthy working conditions, avoid excessive strain on the back and maintain the performance of our employees,” says Vinzent Rudtsch, Logistics Planner and project manager for the exoskeleton.

Without a doubt, this technological innovation will help workers maintain better physical health and avoid possible injuries, which could affect their work and personal lives. For now it has been deployed in various departments of Audi, but we will not be long in seeing this new exoskeleton applied worldwide and in other sectors outside the automotive industry.