Novel exoskeleton chair supports factory workers
Workers in manufacturing and other industries routinely work long hours in a standing position. Standard office chairs may not be permitted because they can dangerously impede workers and machinery. Although occasionally working standing up benefits health, standing for entire shifts has the opposite effect. Specifically, it can cause injury, various kinds of strain including lower back pain, and hypertension. Furthermore, demographic and social changes mean that an increasing proportion of factory workers are of an older age group, especially unsuited to standing all day. To combat these problems, the EU-funded Chairless Chair project developed an exoskeleton chair. Conventional industrial exoskeletons are worn on the upper body and augment workers’ strength. The Chairless Chair is the first designed to be worn on the lower body to support workers’ weight.
Workers move as normal
Wearing the chair like a garment, workers move about as normal, supporting their weight with their own legs. Whenever workers need a rest, the exoskeleton can support their weight without interfering with factory operations. “The Chairless Chair can be worn the entire workday, as it does not interfere with walking or standing,” explains project coordinator Katrin Hoffmann. “It adapts to all movements. Workers can switch between standing, sitting and walking in a matter of seconds.” The support redirects 64 % of the user’s body weight through the exoskeleton, relieving strain on workers’ backs and joints, helping to avoid injuries and health problems. It also promotes ‘active sitting’, which helps strengthen muscles. “It consists of two skeletal legs made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic and corresponding joints,” adds Hoffmann. “At the top are the seating surfaces, and the strap which attaches to the hips. Two other attachment points are straps on the thighs, and click-sliders on the work shoes.” The chair has rubber, non-slip feet to provide a secure footing. The product features a stepless adjustment, making it suitable for workers of virtually any height or proportions. It also comes with an optional chest harness to improve weight distribution and ergonomics.
Product development and finalisation
The current version, Chairless Chair 2.0, is actually the third product generation. It has been refined in collaboration with automobile manufacturers. The refinement has reduced the weight by more than 25 %, extended the height adjustment from 1.5 to 2 metres, and slimmed the design. The product has been optimised for fit. The newer version is safer and offers more freedom of movement. The straps, vest and seat pads have been redesigned and feature new textile materials. Such changes make the product more comfortable and durable. The team has established the Chairless Chair as a well-known brand, especially among German car manufacturers. Next, researchers will be further refining the product in subsequent versions, while also seeking new markets. The product benefits older workers but is not intended for them exclusively. It will benefit any worker having to stand all day, reducing the health consequences and lost productivity resulting from this mode of work.
Keywords
Chairless Chair, standing, exoskeleton, support, factory workers, walking, active sitting, back pain
