Comau unveils new ‘lightweight, ruggedized’ version of its exoskeleton

Comau Robotics has unveiled a new “lightweight, ruggedized” version of its exoskeleton.

The new Mate-XT wearable exoskeleton “fully accommodates the specific needs of workers in demanding industrial, non-industrial and open-air environments”, says Comau.

Featuring a slim, lightweight carbon fiber structure and an intuitive regulation system, the water, dust, UV-light and temperature resistant design can be quickly adjusted to fit virtually any body frame.

Mate-XT is also highly breathable, thanks to an enhanced high-performance fabric construction specific for outdoor activities.

Perfect for carpentry, construction, agriculture, assembly, logistics and more, Mate-XT replicates the user’s physiological shoulder movements to provide optimal upper body support without batteries, motors or other failure-prone devices.

Moreover, it offers 8 different levels of assistance that can be quickly set – or changed – by the worker without interrupting the task at hand.

Mate-XT is the only commercially-available exoskeleton with EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certification, attesting to its ability to reduce biomechanical loads during strenuous tasks.

It also improves work quality and wellbeing in a consistent, efficient and highly ergonomic manner. This enables customers to calculate ROI with measurable ergonomic performance.

Based on studies conducted at customers’ sites using the EAWS worksheet, Comau estimates that the wearable exoskeleton can help workers increase accuracy during overhead tasks by 27 percent and execution speed by 10 percent.

It can also reduce cycle times by at least 5 percent. From an operational standpoint, Mate-XT facilitates increased precision, quality, and performance. It reduces shoulder muscle activity by 30 percent and diminishes the effort felt by workers, with more than 50 percent of workers reporting beneficial upgrades in job quality.

Pietro Ottavis, chief technology officer of Comau, says: “Mate-XT is an extension of our commitment to productivity and well-being in industrial, non-industrial and outdoor settings, which is a fundamental pillar of our HUMANufacturing approach.

“We believe the global market for exoskeletons shows a five-year (annual growth) of up to 40 percent, where the industrial sector will represent close to half of this. We have reduced the weight and bulk of Mate-XT while increasing its performance to better meet the needs of the extended exoskeleton market.

“Furthermore, we are proud to have developed this new exoskeleton in close collaboration with our partners, IUVO and Össur, and the many workers who use it to execute their tasks with less fatigue.”