XPO trials exoskeleton suits for warehouse workers to boost productivity

An exoskeleton suit that reduced tiredness in warehouse workers and boosts productivity by up to 20% has been successfully trialled by XPO.

Hunic Exoskeleton technology is designed to help wearers with heavy lifting duties, ensuring their posture is correct to reduce the chance of injury.

XPO said a trial of the exo-suits that began in January at its Crick, Leicester, Dordon and Milton Keynes sites found they significantly reduced the fatigue felt by those working in the depots.

Productivity also improved: after using the suits at the Samsung operations in Leicester, there was a 15-20% reduction in unloading time.

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The logistics company said it would deploy the technology across the UK and Ireland before the end of the year.

Ian Fox, head of health and safety at XPO Logistics, said: “The feedback from our XPO colleagues using the exoskeletons during the pilot was hugely positive.

“The wearers reported significantly less fatigue and effort required in the routine handling activities, which has supported the decision to expand the use and invest in the equipment for the benefit of our colleagues.

“Additionally, we found that the exoskeleton assists in forming good postural habits that will benefit the wearer even while not using the equipment.”