Reducing Workplace Lifting Injuries

Workers that work in environments that involve heavy lifting will appreciate the technology below.  Essentially the robot like suit assists the user in picking up a heavy object. This would be effective in reducing workplace injuries.  Workplace injuries can be incredibly costly for companies.  This technology could be highly effective in manufacturing environments and construction sites.

Japanese tech powerhouse Kawasaki is working on the so-called Power Assist Suit, a wearable robot that helps humans carry objects weighing 30-40kg without any effort from the muscles. The suit is actually one of quite a fewsimilar models currently available in Japan.

The Kawasaki robot features a total of four motors in the parts covering the hips and knees (see picture below). The control unit and lithium battery are placed in the part placed around the lower back.

http://techcrunch.com/2011/09/21/video-kawasakis-power-assist-robot-suit-helps-humans-lift-heavy-objects/