BMW is always on the cutting edge, and that commitment to being an industry leader goes beyond the cars themselves, extending all the way to the assembly line. True to form, BMW is currently piloting a wearable exoskeleton vest at their plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Assembly planner Frank Pochiro is leading the effort, and he’s got some pretty great inspiration. According to Frank, “I think we really could utilize an Iron Man suit. And when I saw exoskeletons on a TED Talk, I got management approval to start a pilot program."
Two prototypes manufactured by U.S. companies are currently being piloted. So what exactly do we mean by “exoskeletons?” Worn like backpacks, they offer no power, but provide ergonomic upper body and arm support. This support takes some of the burden off of the worker and makes many objects seem weightless. Assembly line workers are on their feet all day, often bearing an incredible amount of weight. By removing some of that strain, the exoskeletons can help to enhance worker safety, thereby increasing job satisfaction and productivity. Richard Morris, vice president of project integration for BMW Manufacturing Co., has high hopes for the technology, saying “I see endless potential for helping with employee fatigue. I would expect to see this technology utilized at other facilities.”
The Spartanburg BMW plant manufactures the popular BMW X3 and BMW X4 models. When the plant opened its doors to reporters in order to show off the new technology being piloted, reporters watched one worker use an exoskeleton to support his arms and back while be bolted underbody panels and heat shields onto vehicles as they came down the line overhead.
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