Industrial exoskeletons: preserving team safety and performance

Industrial exoskeletons: preserving team safety and performance

Industrial exoskeletons represent a major innovation for preserving the performance and safety of workers in demanding environments.

Used in industry, agriculture, logistics, and transportation, these mechanical devices aim to reduce fatigue and prevent pain and injuries related to repetitive movements, strenuous postures, and handling.

There are sometimes reluctances (lack of knowledge, discomfort, fear of change). The integration method therefore plays a key role: information, supervised trial, individual adjustments, and follow-up.

In this dossier, you will find:

  • The benefits of non-motorized exoskeletons Hapo in an industrial context
  • Concrete examples by profession,
  • The integration methodology Hapo that facilitates adoption by teams.
Potter sitting, shaping a large piece

Benefits of exoskeletons for the industry

Passive exoskeletons Hapo use a mechanical spring-rod technology that is simple, robust, and intuitive,
limiting the risk of breakdowns and maintenance needs.

Performance preservation

  • Muscle and joint support during demanding movements (lifting, repetitions).
  • Reduction of fatigue and maintenance of production pace over time.
  • Fewer interruptions related to discomfort at the workstation.

Reducing body wear and tear at work

  • MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) account for 79% of occupational diseases in the metallurgy industry (source AMELI).
  • Passive exoskeletons reduce muscle load, especially during trunk flexions and when carrying loads.
  • Internal study Hapo BACK: approximately 20% reduction in back muscle strain (read the study).

Adaptability and comfort

  • Lightweight design, quick adjustments, freedom of movement preserved.
  • Facilitated acceptance through support, training, and trial phase.

In summary, Hapo exoskeletons provide a sustainable solution
to maintain the performance and well-being of teams in environments with high physical constraints.

Woman leaning over an industrial sewing station, equipped with the Hapo BACK

Return on Investment (ROI)

The price of an exoskeleton for the industry varies from €534 to €3,500 depending on the model and the area of assistance.

This price should be put into perspective with:

Work stoppages avoided

Pain and body wear are major causes of absenteeism. By helping to prevent these risks, exoskeletons contribute to reducing stoppages and associated costs.

The good reasons to invest in our exoskeletons

Job retention

Experienced seniors but physically more fragile, or people recognized as RQTH (Recognition of the Quality of Disabled Worker)

The concrete example
of Pierre-Alexandre

The stabilization
of teams

Decrease in turnover, satisfaction, and sense of recognition among employees who are more inclined to remain loyal to the company

Concrete applications by profession

The Hapo exoskeletons find their place in all industrial activities
where repetitive movements, awkward postures, and load carrying are encountered.

Handling & industrial production

  • Back and shoulder support on lines and warehouses
  • Reduced fatigue without loss of mobility.

"less physical fatigue in the shoulders since using"

Sorting Operator and Printer

Metallurgy & manufacturing

  • Back relief when handling heavy parts
  • Less shoulder and arm pain

"I am satisfied, it is truly a great relief. Before, I had severe lower back pain…"

Ferronnier

Industrial maintenance

  • Assistance during bending or difficult postures (kneeling, leaning)
  • Supports the neck during work under a vehicle

"the goal is to improve working conditions and reduce musculoskeletal disorders"

Heritage maintenance agent, mechanic

In less than 5 minutes, complete an assessment of your situation and discover our recommendations
and the Hapo exoskeleton that suits your needs.

Hapo Integration Method

At Hapo, we support each project according to the AFNOR NF X35-800 standard
(ergonomic recommendations for physical assistance devices)

1 Conduct an ergonomic assessment with the help of a specialist to identify the repetitive or risky movements actually involved

2 Choose a model suited to the sector, the task, and the morphology

3 Organize a field test phase (1 to 2 weeks)

4 Involve end users from the beginning of the process

5 Offer simple and quick training for use

6 Measure the results (pain, fatigue, acceptance, productivity)

7 Plan regular follow-up and a point of contact (prevention officer, HR, QWL manager)

Limits and Benefits of Using an Exoskeleton

Does not replace primary prevention or PPE

Gain not guaranteed on all tasks without trial or adjustment

Relieves on targeted and repetitive tasks

Improves posture and perceived comfort

Exoskeletons adapted to the industry

HAPO has developed a complete range of mechanical exoskeletons to provide targeted solutions in reducing postural risk factors and the risk of body wear in the industrial environment. To maximize their effectiveness while respecting the body's natural movements, each exoskeleton targets specific postures and specific areas of the body.

The Hapo exoskeletons help to reduce body wear, preserve safety, and maintain performance in demanding environments.
The key: a rigorous method of integration and the involvement of the teams.

Exoskeleton Industry FAQ

Why are employees hesitant?

Lack of knowledge, perceived discomfort, or fear of losing autonomy. Training and gradual adaptation can overcome these barriers.

How to study a position before deployment?

Analyze movements, repetitiveness, ranges, and stressed areas; consider the duration and intensity of efforts to choose the appropriate exoskeleton.

What is the impact on safety and productivity?

Reduction in fatigue and body wear, better endurance on targeted tasks — thus increased safety and performance.

How to evaluate effectiveness in real situations?

Measurements before/after (perceived pain/fatigue, acceptance, cycle time) + monitoring of sick leave and turnover; regular adjustments.