Improved ergonomics and reduced musculoskeletal fatigue for workers with Comau and IUVO portable robotic devices
Comau MATE is the first exoskeleton with EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certification on the market that has been proven to reduce the “risk of biomechanical overload” of the upper limbs. Based on the evaluation system sponsored by the Ergo Foundation, Italy's reference point for the organization and measurement of work and ergonomics, workers were studied who perform routine tasks with MATE where the arms often have to be bent and stretched.
This leads to an average reduction of the ergonomic load values of 30% for the shoulder in a static posture and 25% for dynamic shoulder movements, even if one takes into account the handling with low loads.
This certificate proves that Comau fulfills the expectations of companies who want to know specifically what influence an industrial exoskeleton like MATE has on their work processes. In particular, to what extent it can reduce the physical strain on their employees and help them perform tasks more comfortably and reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the long term.
"Comau is proud that the MATE exoskeleton has received the Ergo Foundation's EAWS certification," said Duilio Amico, Marketing and Network Development Director at Comau Robotics & Automation Products. "This result further confirms the importance of investing in the development of innovative devices such as portable robotics to improve the circumstances for workers and to make production processes safer and more sustainable."
MATE is a passive mechanical exoskeleton developed by Comau in partnership with IUVO, a spin-off company from the BioRoboics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna specializing in wearable technologies, and ÖSSUR, a leading Icelandic company in the field of non-invasive orthopedics, was developed and is characterized by its ability to support the natural movement of the shoulders and arms. Workers experience less physical exhaustion and can therefore significantly improve the quality of their work.
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