Thanks to research and development by Sarcos Robotics, wearable technology may become more commonplace on construction sites within the next two to three years. The impending arrival of wearable technology comes with the added promise of increased worker safety and productivity.
American robotics company Sarcos Robotics has unveiled a robotic exoskeleton design that allows its operator to carry up to 200 pounds for prolonged periods of times.
The full-body robotsuit, formally known as the Guardian XO Max, too 17 years and $175 million to research and develop. It is expected to be commercially available by 2020.
The exoskeleton was made to help reduce strain on the muscles and joints of construction workers engaged in heavy lifting while giving them a dash of super-human strength. Built with a strength amplification of 20 to 1, a 100-pound steel beam will feel more like a 5-pound weight while wearing the suit.
To further east the movement of the suit so that the operator can flexibly bend, twist, and lift, Sarcos integrated it with a complex network of sensors, enabling the wearer to instinctively control the robot in accordance with their natural reflexes, reducing the need for instruction and training.
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