Severstal Testing Exoskeletons to Reduce Injuries

Russian steel giant Severstal PJSC, a Metal-Expo regular exhibitor, has acquired 30 Exorise exoskeletons to improve working conditions and reduce injuries in the production units of the Cherepovets Metallurgical Plant. This batch of exoskeletons will undergo pilot tests with subsequent refinement and replication taking into account feedback. Exorise exoskeletons were developed by the Russian company Research and Development of MSTU and are designed for any manual workers. They were tested in several workshops of the Cherepovets Metallurgical Plant, in particular, in the metal finishing shop No 1, the polymer coating workshop No 1 and the blast furnace complex No. 4 Exoskeletons received positive feedback from employees, so the management of the enterprise decided to put them into pilot operation.

The Exorise exoskeleton has an anthropomorphic shape and adjusts to various physical parameters of a person. It does not constrain movement and does not limit freedom of action, compensating up to 30% of the load. In addition, the exoskeleton meets the requirements of equipment speed, heat resistance and wears resistance. The design is a flexible base of increased strength, a corset part, which compensates for the compression load on the spine and corrects posture, as well as springs and a distributed system of elastomers to increase work efficiency when tilting and lifting. The exoskeleton relieves back muscles due to the return action of the springs and elastomer without any metal springs. Therefore, even if the structure is worn incorrectly, it will not harm the operator.