BIM & DIGITAL
constructionmanagermagazine.com
BIM & Digital
“The uptake of exoskeletons by the industry will be intertwined with fundamental changes to the way construction operates” operatives to undertake tasks in a more productive and safe manner, reducing fatigue or injury, and are being trialled in the UK by companies such as Willmott Dixon. Our understanding of how wearable robotics may impact and shape the sector is still in its infancy. Exoskeletons have been depicted as futuristic sci-fi that is years away. But their uptake by the industry will be intertwined with fundamental changes to the way construction operates.
HOW WILL EXOSKELETONS CHANGE CONSTRUCTION? FROM PRODUCTIVITY TO SAFETY, WEARABLE ROBOTICS WILL HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON CONSTRUCTION – BUT DOES THE INDUSTRY UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS? BY DR GRAEME LARSEN The adoption of robotics by the construction sector has been slow, partly because of the cost and partly because of the nature of sites. Wearable robotics were initially developed for medical and military applications, for use by humans to aid physical performance. Best understood as a mechanical suit, termed an
‘exoskeleton’, they assist the movement and weight-bearing capacity of an operative’s limbs, often powered by a battery pack. The uptake of exoskeletons is happening across the automotive sector, while some construction enterprises are already using them. Wearable robotics can be used by
Willmott Dixon has been trialling an EksoVest supplied by Ekso Bionics
Are exoskeletons equipment or PPE? Policy makers and regulators, the sector leaders, companies trialling the technology and the early users wearing exoskeletons will play a part in this process. But at present, there is no discussion, guidance, codes or standards around how wearable robotics will be defined or used – and there are some important questions to be asked. Does a user ‘operate’ an exoskeleton, like site plant? Or ‘use’ it, like a power tool? Or ‘wear’ it, like PPE? If wearable robotics are defined as site plant they could come under similar regulations and restrictions to those for a mobile crane or telehandler. Suitable testing procedures would need to be developed and resourced, tests and certificates issued with an established expiry date, method statements for use drawn up, and specialised operators with a valid licence would need to be trained.
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