A US hardware store has developed a robotic suit designed to help its staff lift and move heavy products more efficiently.
Lowe’s teamed up with Virginia Tech University to create the lightweight exosuit prototype after months of design and testing.
The soft, flexible suit is designed to help the wearer lift heavy objects and prevent muscle fatigue by allowing them to exert less energy performing certain movements.
As the wearer bends over and stands straight, the carbon fibre in the suit’s legs and back helps them spring back up with greater ease.
Four prototypes are currently in use at a Lowe’s store in Christiansburg, and the creators will assess the impact of physical benefits in the coming months.
Dr Alan Asbeck, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, said: “Over the past couple years, human assistive devices have become an area of interest.
“But, our technology is different, not only because of the suit’s soft, flexible elements, but because we’re putting the prototype in a real world environment for an extended period of time.”
