3M Sees Potential in Exoskeletons for Industrial Workers

The manufacturing giant earlier this year started distributing StrongArm Technologies's ErgoSkeleton equipment.

Chris Newmarker

Exoskeletons have shown potential for everything from helping disabled people walk to easing weight burdens for soldiers.

Officials at manufacturing giant 3M appear to have decided they could prevent workplace injuries among blue collar workers, too. 

The Minnesota-based company recently announced it was expanding its partnership with Brooklyn, NY-based StrongArm Technologies, agreeing to sell StrongArm's V22 ErgoSkeleton and the FLx ErgoSkeleton through 3M distribution channels. 

The V22 is a lift assist device. It automatically reminds users to follow NIOSH and OSHA lifting guidelines, promoting the pivoting, knee bending, and better body mechanics that can save an industrial worker's body from wear and tear over time. The FLx meanwhile is a postural support device that provides feedback when it comes to proper posture during lifting.

"We are redesigning the future for Industrial Athletes with our FLx and V22 ErgoSkeletons. Helping our wearers go home in less pain and fatigue is what inspires us to push the boundaries of human centered design," StrongArm CEO Sean Petterson said in a news release.

The distribution deal comes less than a year after 3M announced a minority investment in StrongArm.

Check out this video about StrongArm's technology:

Introducing: StrongArm Technologies from Allie Esslinger on Vimeo.

Chris Newmarker is senior editor of Qmed. Follow him on Twitter at @newmarker.

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[Image courtesy of 3M and StrongArm]