Ford exoskeleton technology designed to help reduce worker fatigue, injury

Some Ford Motor Co. assembly line workers lift their arms during overhead work tasks about 4,600 times per day, or 1 million times per year. To help decrease the risk of worker fatigue and injury, Ford and California-based Ekso Bionics have partnered to develop a new upper body exoskeletal tool that now is being piloted in two U.S. plants.

Called EksoVest, the wearable technology elevates and supports a worker’s arms while performing overhead tasks. It can be fitted to support workers from 5 ft. to 6 ft. 4 in. tall and provides adjustable lift assistance of 5 to 15 lbs. per arm.