Partnership between Hilti and the OPPBTP to evaluate the effects of using the HA EXO-O1 exoskeleton

To date, no study has been carried out in France on construction sites and over the long term to analyze the effect of the use of these tools on the health and performance of users. To overcome this lack of feedback, Hilti launched a large-scale study based on the use of its HA EXO-O1 exoskeleton and enlisted the skills and expertise of the OPPBTP for methodological support and technical.

Reduce MSDs with exoskeletons

Faced with work situations that can cause difficulties for their employees and in particular cause MSDs during repetitive tasks, companies are looking for solutions. Among these, the use of an exoskeleton can be considered to relieve certain activities. Hilti, strongly committed to the construction sector, particularly on prevention issues, has been working on this subject for several years and offers an exoskeleton called HA EXO-O1. Launched in 2020, it aims to relieve the tensions caused on the joints during work requiring raising the arms above the shoulders. It is therefore intended for work situations that apply in the following trades: electricians, plumbers, painters and drywall workers.

However, one observation is necessary. The development of these solutions being recent in the construction field, an analysis of these medium and long-term effects on the health and performance of users can only be beneficial.

Thus, it is to better understand these effects on health and to collect data, particularly with regard to the improvement of comfort at work, the reduction of muscular fatigue or oxygen consumption during exercise, that Hilti, the leading seller of exoskeletons in France, has decided to set up a large-scale study based on its own exoskeleton. In this context, the OPPBTP brings its expertise on prevention topics by supporting Hilti on the methodological and technical aspects of the study.

A large-scale study to understand the effects of the use of an exoskeleton on health

Around 200 exoskeletons have been made available to partner companies so that they can try out this solution with selected operators. For one year, employees benefit from the support of EXO-O1 to carry out their tasks.

To carry out this study, collect the data and analyze it, Hilti approached the Institute of Manual Therapy and Physiotherapy (ITMP), experts in functional assessment and physiology. Dr. Bronislaw Kapitaniak, ergonomist expert, also contributes to the development of the study protocol and the realization of intermediate evaluations with users.

It is in this context that the OPPBTP intervenes to:

• Support the construction of the experimentation protocol thanks to its expertise in the world of construction and new physical assistance technologies;
• Contribute to the identification of participating companies;
• Assist in the interpretation of results.

The follow-up of the study over 12 months includes:

• A questionnaire for operators before using the exoskeleton in order to define their state of mind, their expectations, their initial state of health.
• Questionnaires carried out at three, six, nine and twelve months.
• On some of the participating employees, a specific follow-up carried out by the physiotherapists of the ITMP.

For Louis des Escotais, Marketing Director of Hilti: “Hilti has always been committed to developing ever more innovative solutions and products in terms of health and safety for our customers on the construction site. It is within the framework of this continuous improvement approach that we have joined forces with the OPPBTP and several partner companies in order to set up this study on the long-term effects of the use of our exoskeleton in real conditions. . The analysis of the results will enable us to provide the best support to companies wishing to offer this solution to their employees in order to support them in their daily missions. »

For Pascal Girardot, Ergonomist and Occupational Wear and Tear Prevention Manager at the OPPBTP: “We follow with interest the development of physical assistance devices in the context of our own work related to prevention on construction sites. This study conducted by Hilti will also allow us to obtain concrete information on the long-term impacts of using these solutions. This can help us develop tools to help companies make good use of these devices, integrate the related constraints, make it easier for employees to get started and provide all the advice for proper use of the equipment. »