Exoskeleton

Sarcos revealed its Guardian XO robotic exoskeleton at CES 2019. At this year's CES, the robotics specialist and Delta Air Lines announced pilot trials, with Delta employees set to become among the first workers to suit up in the wearable robots.

While some powered exoskeletons give able-bodied users "superstrength," others are designed simply to let physically-challenged people move about normally. A new version of the latter is said to be much lighter and more user-responsive than others on the market.

Exoskeletons on the automotive production line can help make strenuous or repetitive tasks less physically demanding for employees. Audi is now equipping some of its workforce with such support tools.

Scientists from the University of Grenoble have spent two years teaching a quadriplegic man to move his arms and legs, and even walk, using a brain-controlled AI exoskeleton.

Panasonic's powered exoskeleton will be used by loaders and spotters at World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) events and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

A new Hyundai assistive exoskeleton focuses on those tending to overhead tasks.

​What would a consumer electronics show be without powered exoskeletons? Panasonic subsidiary Atoun is presenting two new models at CES 2019 – one of them helps you to lift, while the other helps you walk.

Sarcos Robotics is speeding us towards that promising future, now taking pre-orders for the Guardian XO Max – the world's first battery-powered, full-body industrial exoskeleton – with delivery slated for early 2020.

Consumer electronics giant LG will be taking a refreshed version of its CLOi SuitBot to CES 2019 next month, as it inches closer to commercial availability. Updated versions of the company's PorterBot, ServeBot and CartBot service robots will also be on show.

For decommissioning a nuclear site, researchers at the University of Bristol are proposing an Iron Man-like armored exoskeleton that would protect workers from radioactive contamination, while also reducing fatigue and providing vital information through helmet-mounted AR displays.

​Assembling cars can be a physically-demanding task, which is why Ford recently began equipping its factory workers with assistive exoskeletons. Hyundai is now getting in on the act, with plans to start testing two such devices in its North American factories by the end of the year.

​Performing repetitive and/or strenuous tasks can be hard on a worker's body, leading to muscle fatigue and even injury. Assistive exoskeletons are designed to help keep that from happening, with the MATE from Italian company Comau being an interesting recent example.