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IFOY Test Report: HUNIC SoftExo Lift

Posted on by David Priestman

It’s the turn of the HUNIC SoftExo Lift as we continue our comprehensive run-through of all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd.

Category: Start-up of the Year

IFOY Test Report

The passive exoskeleton SoftExo is an extremely lightweight but still effective body-worn lifting and carrying aid, developed for logistics and industry. Skilled personnel are supported with up to 21% when lifting and carrying loads, the body is relieved by up to 50% and the ergonomic posture is positively influenced.

High and prolonged strains, for example due to repeated lifting of heavy objects, pose a health risk for employees in production and logistics, which in the worst case can lead to an inability to work. According to the German Trade Association, every tenth day of incapacity to work in Germany is due to back pain.

This is precisely where the assistance system from HUNIC can provide preventive relief. The passive exoskeleton uses a spring principle to support the leg and back muscles when lifting loads and sensitises the user to ergonomic movement. Due to the adjustment options, the system can be worn by persons weighing from 50kg to 140kg, regardless of gender. In addition, all modules can be easily exchanged, cleaned in the washing machine and easily replaced when worn out. By optimising the working posture, the forces acting on the back are reduced by up to 50% and distributed evenly. In this way, the SoftExo Lift permanently relieves and protects the wearer’s spine, joints and muscles.

In addition, the tension of the leg support gives up to 21% more strength when lifting. Wearing the SoftExo Lift also improves the individual’s lifting and carrying technique, so that a lasting effect can be observed beyond the everyday working day. Users tire less and thus make fewer picking errors at the end of the shift.

With the help of the patented back rail, the spine is completely decoupled from additional load. No tensile forces are placed on the shoulder, causing additional strain on the intervertebral discs. The back splint also provides the user with haptic feedback if he or she slips into a hunched back or excessive twisting of the lower lumbar sector. Consequently, the user resumes an ergonomic posture. The user’s body is thus loaded according to anatomical ideals. Due to the integration of the knee joints, they are guided and supported by the laterally passing ligaments when squatting down. The enclosure of the sensitive joint avoids pressure points on the user’s thigh.

The SoftExo Lift by HUNIC does not require any external energy source, which thus excludes subconscious overloading of the human body. Due to the use of high-tech materials, the exoskeleton weighs only 1.4kg. At the same time, it lies close to the wearer’s body, which reduces the risk of collision with the environment.

IFOY test verdict: The SoftExo Lift permanently relieves and protects the user’s spine, joints and muscles. Wearing the exoskeleton from HUNIC on a regular basis sustainably improves the individual working posture towards an ergonomically more favourable posture. This creates the conditions for more comfortable work and ultimately for a better quality of life. Especially towards the end of the work shift, a reduced fatigue of the users can be observed. Due to reduced downtime and more motivated employees, the company gains an economic advantage. Consequently, the investment of €1,000 per exoskeleton is well worth it.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The topic of exoskeletons or ergonomic body support is becoming increasingly important to continue to be able to work responsibly with people in industrial and commercial environments, even in times of significant demographic change. Humans still have superior capabilities compared to automated technology in certain areas and activities, which can be brought to greater efficiency and productivity at high quality with technological support. Nevertheless, the fields of application of exoskeletons are still manageable so far.

Customer benefit: The deliberate conversion to a support instrument that is easy to wear and less annoying significantly increases acceptance. By consciously pointing out incorrect movements through the product, physical overloads and thus damage are avoided at an early stage. An increase in performance is often the result. The adaptation of the product to different areas of activity allows targeted use and thus the optimization of very specific physical activities.

Novelty / Innovation: It is a completely passive exoskeleton that also has few solid areas that would negatively affect wearing comfort and thus be detrimental to acceptance. The very great innovative leap therefore lies on the one hand in the design of the exoskeleton from purely soft, elastic materials, without neglecting the support function. Furthermore, it is the targeted pointing out and thus prevention of incorrect movements. In addition, the exoskeleton is prepared to accept sensors (e.g. from the IFOY nominee Predimo) for process monitoring and optimisation, for movement optimisation and for increasing occupational safety.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The exoskeleton is of very high quality. As mentioned, the focus is on high wearing comfort and thus acceptance by the user. Through the connection with sensor technology, it allows a significant optimisation of processes towards more safety and health in the future. Particularly noteworthy are the different versions for different activities with adapted, very intelligent features.

Verdict: This start-up takes up the exoskeleton theme, in a novel, soft version. Support for certain movements is available but is not the focus. Wearing comfort of the exoskeleton and especially showing wrong movement patterns are the focus. In addition, various features will be integrated for different sectors (e.g., a handle for patients in the nursing sector to support lifting. It will also be possible to attach sensors and evaluation units to the exoskeleton to implement optimisation and monitoring.

Market relevance Ø
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation +
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Blue Giant Equipment acquires Cormac Industrial

Posted on by David Priestman

Blue Giant Equipment Corporation, a leader in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of loading dock safety systems and ergonomic lifting solutions, has acquired controlling interest of prominent ergonomic lift assist solutions provider Cormac Industrial.

Located in Mexico, Cormac Industrial is a leading manufacturer and provider of innovative industrial ergonomic lift assist equipment, including air balancers, jib cranes, overhead enclosed monorail systems, pneumatic lift tables, and lift assist systems. Cormac has been providing engineered lift assist solutions for over 30 years, for companies including Magna, Cummins, Nemak, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Stellantis.

“As we expand our focus on providing ergonomic lift solutions, Cormac’s expertise and success in work cell and assembly line engineered ergonomic lift systems aligns perfectly with Blue Giant’s goals. We are excited to have Cormac as part of the Blue Giant family,” said Steve Barbosa, President, at Blue Giant.

James Patton, President, at Cormac Industrial, said: “We are excited about the energy and momentum we have with Blue Giant and the opportunities for growth. Together, we look forward to innovating and expanding our lift assist solutions and selling products globally that improve safety and productivity.”

Together with Cormac Industrial, Blue Giant plans to broaden its ergonomic lift solutions product portfolio within the US and Canadian markets through its extensive distribution network.

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Workforce Wearables: Comfort and Mobility

Posted on by David Priestman

A few years ago, Matthew Marino of HeroWear worked with a warehouse stocker named John who had injured his back and was looking to get back to full duty. John’s job was important to him because he had a family to support. Working as a morning stocker, he was on his feet for 8 hours, pushing and pulling pallet jacks full of goods, constantly lifting, bending, and reaching, to stock his aisles before heading home to help his son. It’s no surprise that John became one of millions of Americans who missed time at work because of back pain.

John agreed to try using a back-assist exoskeleton while on modified duty. Matthew trained and supported him throughout his transition from modified to full duty. He used the exoskeleton until he no longer had any work restrictions from his doctor, and he was approved for full-duty work. He said he could feel the exoskeleton reducing strain in his back when he was bending and lifting. The assistance truly worked. Then one day John gave back the exoskeleton. Even though he said it worked, he didn’t want to use it anymore. Why?

While there was no doubt that the exoskeleton helped, John said it prevented him from doing his job and moving the way he wanted. He couldn’t get close to the items he needed to reach because the exoskeleton interfered. He couldn’t move in tight spaces and in between pallets because the exoskeleton stuck out too far around his body and got caught on shrink-wrap.
It helped relieve back strain, but that didn’t matter. Because it got in the way, John was done with the exoskeleton.

John’s story is a powerful lesson: if you are thinking about adopting new technology or new wearables for your workforce, physical assistance is not the only important factor. Whether it’s an exoskeleton that provides physical support or sensors that promote a safer workday, if wearables prevent workers from doing their job how they want to, adoption will be an uphill battle. That’s why comfortable workforce wearables that don’t restrict freedom of movement are more practical for many industries, especially fast-paced logistics environments. Logistics and warehouse workers need to be able to quickly adapt to any challenges they face to get their job done, which means they need full mobility, and zero distractions.

Lightweight, soft exosuits that are built to comfortably fit any body type and be worn all day have incredible potential to help workers who frequently bend and lift. Those are also the kind of workers that need protection. The wear and tear from the frequent forces and awkward postures their spines must endure during all that bending and lifting really adds up physically – not only over the course of a single day, but over the course of a career.

The good news is there are many new wearables for logistics companies wanting to find ways to protect their employees without sacrificing production. Companies have started using workforce wearables, including rigid exoskeletons or “soft-shell” exosuits, to lower the forces that increase the risk of chronic pain. Geodis began using passive exoskeletons for back support in 2017 and DHL published a report saying that soon delivery people “will be using exoskeletons to safely lift heavy weights.”

These companies and many others are using exoskeletons and exosuits that are already on the market and have been scientifically proven to reduce back strain, fatigue, and risk of injury from bending and lifting. But as we learned from John’s story, it’s critical that they are comfortable and don’t restrict freedom of movement. Thankfully, there are exosuits being implemented that are specifically designed to provide assistance without impacting mobility or comfort.

When it comes to the sensor side of workforce wearables, Walmart and Toyota are testing devices that alert workers who are engaging in risky movements. These devices collect data to give employers insights into which jobs, tasks or workers have the highest levels of injury risk, so that workplace design or equipment changes can be made to improve worker safety. They also provide feedback to workers to train them to avoid risky postures and movements. The testing found a reduction in injury risk across North America using the sensors.

But while exosuits must give user’s freedom of movement to be adopted, sensors have their own user-adoption hurdles: the “creepy factor” that some workers may feel toward data collection – including privacy and workplace-surveillance concerns. These challenges are being addressed by sensor providers and companies through privacy features, proper training, and awareness among workers.

The rise of workforce wearables is exciting because they could help fight a major problem: work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). OSHA said WMSDs are frequently the cause of lost or restricted work time and the annual cost from back pain domestically is $253 billion, according to the Bone and Joint Initiative. Amazon has started to direct financial resources to combat WMSDs with its WorkingWell program and Jeff Bezos has said that the company needs to tackle workplace injuries. They had reason to emphasize warehouse safety: Amazon recorded 5.6 injuries per 100 workers in 2019, while the (still-too-high) national average for the warehousing and storage sector was 4.8.

Workforce wearables can help protect workers who may be at-risk of suffering WMSDs, which could turn into chronic pain. But a major hurdle in the “War on WMSDs” is enthusiastic buy-in from the workers to properly use the wearables. We’ve learned from stories like John’s that buy-in is going to be a whole lot easier if the wearables are comfortable and maintain mobility. To enjoy the assistance of workforce wearables, workers must be willing to wear them. When they feel comfortable using a wearable and quickly see the difference it makes by improving their quality of life, the way physical work is done can change forever.

Enhanced scissor-lift ergonomics with Blickle’s ErgoMove

Posted on by David Priestman

For one manufacturer of lifting tables, collaboration with Blickle has really paid off. The wheel and castor specialist supplied a solution with the ErgoMove electric drive system. Since then, the lifting tables with a weight of up to two tonnes can be easily moved and positioned accurately.

In addition to lifting platforms, the company Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH, based in Niederlangen, Lower Saxony, produces column lifts as well as goods and underfloor lifts. Today, it is not enough for lifting platforms to simply lift and lower loads. For example, pallet cages often have to be tipped so that goods can be removed more easily.

The company with 20 employees has a high level of vertical integration and attaches great importance to continuous quality assurance. From design to welding steel structures to final assembly, everything takes place in-house. For the standard lifting tables, Janzen only uses high-quality components that ensure long-term, low-wear operation.

Since from the perspective of the company management the market for scissor lift trucks with a load capacity of up to 500kg is dominated by Asian competitors, Janzen took a new course: Janzen successfully established itself in the load range 1,500 to 2,000kg –  a sector in which there are only a few other competitors. Over the years, customer inquiries for electrically powered scissor lift trucks have increased continuously. The reason is that heavy pallet trucks are difficult to move by hand. Occasionally, even two persons were necessary to correctly position the trucks with loads.

That’s why Janzen set out to design its own drive. In practice, however, the investment in time and materials required for this turned out to be higher than expected. A visit from the Blickle experts therefore came just at the right time. They identified the problem and suggested using the ErgoMove 2000 electric drive system with a transport capacity of up to 2,000kg.

ErgoMove enables heavy loads to be moved easily, ensures ergonomically correct working conditions and increases efficiency in internal transport. In addition to the drive assistance, the ErgoMove also features steering and braking assistance. As part of a load-bearing structure, the electric drive system assures smooth handling regardless of the truck weight. Blickle offers a version of the ErgoMove cockpit with one rotary joystick for extended travel in one direction (without turns). The version with two rotary joysticks makes it possible to easily manoeuvre heavy loads even in confined spaces.

Those in charge at Janzen were quickly convinced of the advantages of the system. The specialists from Blickle integrated the ErgoMove control and operating unit into the scissor lift table by slightly modifying the handlebar. In addition, the standard nylon castors previously used were replaced by the ErgoMove drive castors and polyurethane swivel castors. Thanks to the effective support from Blickle, Janzen quickly obtained the right drive solutions for scissor lift trucks in industrial applications.

The decision to opt for Blickle has paid off for this privately owned company. “Now heavy scissor lift trucks can easily be moved ergonomically by one person. Loads of up to two tonnes can now be moved by hand using electrical drive, braking and steering assistance,” says Stefan Winter, Production Manager at Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH. In addition, the noise emissions have been reduced. Previously, hard and therefore loud nylon castors were used. The polyurethane swivel castors from Blickle are suitable for high dynamic and mechanical loads and have low rolling resistance for quiet running. High quality components ensure low wear.

Blickle delivered a system solution from a single source. The package also included comprehensive safety equipment that the customer does not have to design and procure independently: The scissor lift trucks are equipped with an emergency stop switch, dead man’s brakes, a horn and anti-trap protection. To prevent improper use, the operating handles have integrated hand recognition. “In addition to the ergonomics, we have also significantly increased safety,” says a delighted Gerrit Richter designer at Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH.

Nerak Wiese strengthens UK team

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Vertical elevation specialist, Nerak Wiese Ltd, has promoted three members of its team to enhance its capabilities as demand for its solutions continues to grow.

Scott Amber, Josh Williams and Josh Kerr are all stepping up to more senior roles in the UK division of the global material handling company. “With a healthy order book and a high number of enquiries as businesses increasingly seek to automate their logistics and production processes,” commented John Oakley, Managing Director, “we are making these promotions to strengthen our technical, design and project management capabilities.”

Scott Amber has been promoted to the Board as a Director. He joined Nerak in 2013 as a Project Engineer, was promoted to Senior Project Engineer in 2018 and became Head of Design & Development last year. With a degree in Industrial and Product Design, he brings considerable engineering insight to Board decision-making.

A Design Engineer with Nerak since 2017, Josh Williams is being promoted to the role of Project Manager. Josh is a Product Design and Innovation graduate with proven skills in both engineering design and customer relationship management.

Also moving up to the role of Project Manager is Josh Kerr. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he joined Nerak earlier this year as a Solutions Design Engineer but has already demonstrated a clear ability to progress.

Nerak designs, manufactures and installs automated lifting and conveying solutions for both bulk goods and unit loads, with key products including continuous platform elevators, pallet lifts, bucket conveyors and reciprocating hoists. The company has supplied vertical elevation systems for clients in diverse sectors including GlaxoSmithKline, JD Sports, John Lewis, Unilever and XPO Logistics.

Pictured (left-right): Josh Kerr, Scott Amber and Josh Williams

Platform improves worker safety at Lindab

Posted on by David Priestman

Factories and production lines have always faced challenges when it comes to protecting workers and maintaining operations. Accidents, however rare, must always be prevented as far as humanly and logistically possible. The margin for error is often little to none.

In work environments with heavy machinery and in Lindab Steel’s case, foil rolls sometimes weighing several hundred kilogrammes, accident prevention is of the utmost importance. With help from VPG, Lindab Steel’s cutting machine has been equipped with a platform that safely lifts the operator to the appropriate working height instead of the operator using ladders and stairs.

Erik Dahllöf, Sales Manager at VPG, was visiting Lindab’s factory on another matter and during his visit an additional opportunity to improve safety, ergonomics and operations presented itself. In cooperation with Lindab’s staff, including Production Engineer Patrik Hayes, a risk assessment of the cutting machine was conducted. Together they investigated ways to reduce the risk of accidents and improve ergonomics for operators.

The cutting machine is an important part of the production line. It straightens the sheet metal before it’s cut to the appropriate length, anywhere from 300mm to 4,000mm-long pieces. The machine is elevated and therefore can be cumbersome for operators to work with, increasing the risk of accidents. Before the new platform was installed, operators had to use stairs, ladders and even stand on their toes on top of the machine to properly adjust and set up for production,

“Ergonomically, the pros are substantial,” said Hayes. “Previously operators had to work with their hands above shoulder height. Now we can lift the operator to the correct working height no matter how tall or short they are.”

Work-related accidents are not only catastrophic for the person or people involved, whenever accidents happen it’s extremely costly for a company, on average €100,000.

“The cutting machine runs 24×7 and it’s incredibly costly if operations come to a halt,” added Hayes. “Our first priority is always the health and safety of our workers but maintaining production is of course key as well.”

Operators are very happy with the new platform, not only sparing their physical well-being but also helping them work more efficiently at the correct working height.

“No matter how much an operator values quality, if you spend too much time in an uncomfortable position quality will be affected over time,” said Hayes. “Investing in safer and more ergonomic solutions for workers will always give you returns on your investment, many times over.”

The end result of the project can only be said to be a huge success, appreciated by all involved parties. “Right now, it’s full steam ahead and everyone is very happy with the lifting platform solution,” Hayes concluded.

LEEA to host online port safety event

Posted on by David Priestman

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) will host the Lifting and Safety in Ports and Maritime event on 26th October 2021 via Zoom. The free to attend event will be joined by Richard Steele from ICHCA International Cargo Handling Coordination Association), as well as LEEA colleagues who will be delving into safety issues surrounding work around ports and maritime organisations.

Lifting and Safety in Ports and Maritime is open to anyone who will find this event helpful or works in the ‘wet logistics’ industry, including the maritime and ports sectors. LEEA will be focusing on lifting equipment used in these settings. Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA said: “The event aims to start conversations between Members and end users, particularly those further up the supply chain, to share knowledge around lifting safely and make sure that normal practice is best practice.”

For more information and to register, contact: events@leeaint.com

 

Euro lifting bodies collaborate for higher standards

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and Erkende Keurbedrijven Hijs & Hefmiddelen (EKH ) have reached an agreement to ensure that the two organisations will work together more closely in the future, combining their high standards and extensive expertise to support each other’s membership.

LEEA is the global trade association representing over 1,200 members in more than 70 countries. EKH is an umbrella organisation for lifting equipment inspection companies, with 65 members based in the Netherlands. Sharing similar values, the combination of lifting experts will produce a synergy to deliver their visions and drive the industry forward.

Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with EKH, an organisation that is highly regarded and equipped with the forward vision necessary to help support the global Lifting Industry. In addition to being beneficial for our members, this move is about putting together a network of partners who together can make the argument for enhanced standards worldwide, which is a crucial aspect of LEEA’s international approach.”

Maarten van der Velden, Chair and Treasurer of EKH, said: “We are excited to be supporting EKH members through LEEA’s globally renowned gold standard offering. EKH sets itself the goal of raising the bar when it comes to the safety of lifts and hoists, and through working in partnership with LEEA we will enhance our cooperation to achieve the highest standards across a worldwide Lifting Industry.”

Lifting accessories company expands its range

Posted on by Keith McKinley

LIFTEUROP, a Luxembourger manufacturer of lifting accessories, has expanded its product range thanks to a partnership with Belgian company Power Limit.

“We are a SME from Liège, active for more than 36 years in the design and development of products for the load limitation, lifting and weighing sector,” says Fernand Humblet, founder and director of Power Limit.

“We are constantly adapting to market developments by offering not only standard solutions, but also customised products to meet specific needs. The entire manufacturing process is carried out in our premises with an exclusively local workforce. We do not subcontract any work, which allows us to be very reactive to customer requests,” adds Humblet.

In addition to the products listed in its General Catalogue, LIFTEUROP can now provide its customers with tensile force measuring shackles, dynamometers and tensiometers to measure the forces in wire ropes and lashing straps.

These devices provide operators with accurate and reliable numerical data for safe lifting.

Concerning the partnership with LIFTEUROP, Humblet says: “We have a common desire for customer satisfaction. The collaboration with LIFTEUROP is a collaboration of confidence, which allows us to answer the needs quickly and professionally. Our products are already represented worldwide on the tensiometry market. Today, we need a representative who ensures a worldwide presence of our new range of dynamometers thanks to its communication tools and its team of experts. This collaboration with LIFTEUROP will be for us a springboard to be also recognized on the dynamometry market.”

The technical expertise and the professionalism of the LIFTEUROP team are also highly appreciated by Power Limit. “LIFTEUROP has a team of technical and commercial experts who are reactive and have put in place the necessary communication and information tools to quickly inform the customer. We specialise in designing force management solutions and consider LIFTEUROP to be a dynamic company that represents our product line well. LIFTEUROP is able to provide professional technical advice to customers in an increasingly competitive market,” concludes Humblet.

Founded in 2010 and located in Wiltz, LIFTEUROP produces and distributes high quality lifting equipment and accessories of the STAS brand, flagship of the French lifting industry guaranteeing the safety of goods and people since 1953. Certified ISO 9001, 14001, ISO 27001 and RSE, LIFTEUROP is integrated in the lifting division of ALIPA Group, a Luxembourg specialist in industrial packaging and lifting, which counts about 150 employees.

 

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