South Korean shipyard workers are now using a new tool to work harder, faster and stronger.
This unbelievable piece of technology is the work of South Korean industrial company, Daewoo, to increase workers’ productivity. The innovative hi-tech suit – known as exoskeletons – increase workers’ muscular strength, enabling them to easily carry loads over 30 kg.
Looking like something off a movie set, the mechanisms of the exoskeleton consist of padded straps worn at the waist, thighs and chest, connecting the user to the suit. Feet are anchored to the base with the aid of foot pads.
A backpack powers up the motors and hydraulics – prime movers of this incredible invention.
And as if that’s not cool enough – it gets better.
They’re using night vision goggles similar to Google Glass. Sensors on the goggles track the user’s hydration levels, heart rate and other vitals. Paraplegics can even use their minds to control the suits and move themselves.
Made out of carbon fiber, steel and an aluminium alloy, it weighs around 28 kg. The lithium-ion battery pack can last for at least three hours.
There is, however, a height qualification for those who want to wear the suit. Workers have to be at least 160 cm tall in order to wear the suit without any issues. And the relatively heavy suit does take a toll on the workers’ speed, restricting twisting motion and vulnerability in slippery areas.
In the coming years, researchers are looking to up the suit’s lifting capabilities, possibly allowing workers to life up to 100kg.
There is obviously much room for improvement but I think we can all agree this piece of technological advancement is the future of productivity.
Images sourced and text referenced from Koreaboo and The Dailypedia.
