maintenance activities. The goal is to
achieve efficiency in every department
in an integrated way by means of tests
and designed tools to manage specific
inefficiencies.”
AFTER
A natural consequence of the application of
WCM to production was the redeployment
of some of employees to minibus interiors.
Gozzoli explains: “The aspects examined
also include the working conditions of our
operators. This department features many
activities that must be carried out while
lifting the arms. A demanding condition
in itself, which
requires even
more attention,
considering
that the
average age
of IVECO
employees is
around 49 years.
“For this
EQUIPMENT & TOOLS – EXOSKELETONS
reason, in the search for solutions that
could make the work on minibuses the
least burdensome possible, we started
a collaboration with the Ideal Production
System (IPS) division, whose task is to
search for new ideas and tools in an
Industry 4.0 perspective to guarantee the
best operating conditions at every time
for the people and the plant as a whole.”
The company completed its research
into possible solutions in 2018 at the
same time that the Automatica fair in
Munich, Germany, was taking place,
and where subsequently Comau’s Mate
exoskeleton was shown.
IVECO has since introduced the Mate
exoskeleton to some of the operators
involved in the construction of the
minibuses. In one specific station,
operators are assisted by the device
during the placement of reinforcements
and accessories in the upper part
of the minibus. For these tasks, the
workers have to keep their arms raised
overhead, resulting in trapezius-deltoid
muscle fatigue, which is said to have
been immediately reduced with the
introduction of the exoskeleton.
Antonio Maccarinelli, team leader of
section one of the minibus line, explains:
“I have used the Mate exoskeleton for
a few months now, and I must say that
I immediately found relief, especially
for my shoulders. When mounting the
reinforcements in the upper part of
the vehicle, I have to keep my arms
raised for a long time, often while I’m
holding the tools that I need to mount
the various components. Even though
they are all light objects, at the end
of my shift, I always noticed that this
apparently minimal effort has taken a toll
on my body. Now, my shoulders are in an
excellent condition.
“Moreover, I must say that the device
is really easy to wear. It’s like carrying
a backpack, and just needs a few initial
settings to be immediately operational.
Adjusting the shoulder straps is also
quick and easy, which is really important,
because I share Mate with other
operators. Each of us has a slightly
different build, but we can easily adapt
it and feel comfortable.”.”
Other exoskeleton designs
Ekso Bionics is a developer of exoskeleton solutions that aim to amplify human
potential for medical and industrial uses (www.is.gd/adavur). One device is
produces is the EksoVest, an upper body exoskeleton that is said to elevate
and support arms to assist with tasks ranging from chest height to overhead.
It uses compressed gas springs to provide 5-15lbs (2.3-6.8kg) of force per arm,
according to Engineering Designer.
Swiss design company Auxivo has also developed an exoskeleton called the
LifeSuit that is said to weigh less than 1 kg and aims to reduce workload, muscle
fatigue and exhaustion (www.is.gd/pukose). According to the company, the
device supports back and hip muscles when lifting objects from below hip level,
or when working in a forward-leaning position. Its website states: “As of Q2 -
2020, you can rent the LiftSuit to test it, and we are offering a limited amounts
of LiftSuits to selected customers and partners in Switzerland and Europe.”
Autumn 2020 www.operationsengineer.org.uk 53
/adavur)
/pukose)
/www.operationsengineer.org.uk