Exoskeletons in university restaurants

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Exoskeletons in university restaurants

All our articles

Exoskeletons in university restaurants

Since the start of the 2025 academic year, the Crous Nord Bourgogne Franche-Comté has taken a further step in preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by equipping some of its staff with exoskeletons. This initiative, which originated on the ground, was piloted in the university restaurants of Sévenans and Belfort and is slated for wider implementation.

Restaurant employee serving

An initiative led by the agents themselves

It all began in the spring of 2024, during a site visit to the university restaurant in Sévenans. Marie, an employee, reported her persistent arm and shoulder pain to Philippe Mauro, director of the North BFC site. This situation is representative of a sector heavily exposed to repetitive movements and awkward postures.

“Carrying 500 plates at arm’s length for an hour can cause problems for the elbows and shoulders,” the director points out, also mentioning the constraints related to food delivery and dishwashing. It is at this point that the question of exoskeletons is raised.

The project was then passed on to Charline Salvi, prevention assistant at Crous BFC. Starting in June 2024, the teams were filmed at their workstations to clarify the needs. Trials were conducted in the fall of 2024, notably at the university restaurant frequented by students of the University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard.

Non-motorized exoskeletons
adapted to field realities

The equipment arrives at the beginning of summer 2025 and is deployed in the fall. Two pairs of exoskeletons are put into service in Sévenans and Belfort:

- One is designed to provide back support and load-carrying assistance for supply and dishwashing staff.

- The other is designed to relieve arm and shoulder strain for service staff (Hapo FRONT model shown opposite).

Quick to put on (less than two minutes), exoskeletons adapt to the user's body shape thanks to several sizes for the upper torso. These devices are called passive because they are not motorized. Made from fiberglass springs, they are lighter, allow for fluid movements, and are generally better accepted by personnel.

These exoskeletons reduce muscle activity by 15 to 20%, thus helping to decrease fatigue, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and ultimately, sick leave. "The goal is not to augment the human, but to preserve it," summarizes Bérenger Le Tellier, PhD in biomechanics and head of exoskeleton development.

Hapo FRONT, for assistance during 'arms in front' tasks

A deliberate investment and a challenge to gain support

The Crous Nord BFC invested approximately €10,000 including VAT and training. For management, the financial aspect is not a deterrent. The main challenge lies in gaining staff buy-in, particularly from younger employees, who are sometimes less aware of the importance of prevention. The stated objective is clear: to protect staff before any problems arise.

For employees already suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the provision of equipment remains subject to approval by the occupational physician.

Employee carrying a heavy dish at arm's length

Towards regional generalization

The Crous Nord BFC's ambition is now to generalize the use of exoskeletons in the region's university restaurants. The Sévenans and Belfort campuses will share their equipment with those in Dijon and Besançon. Discussions are also underway to update job descriptions and integrate the use of exoskeletons as a fully-fledged protective equipment.

This is a gradual approach, based on experimentation and dialogue, to permanently embed the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at the heart of university food services.

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Contact one of our experts

Our teams are available to assess your needs and organize real-world tests to allow your employees to experience the benefits of Hapo CS in their work environment.

Contact an expert