More moving companies give intelligent wearable exoskeleton robots to movers to help meet rising demand during peak summer moving season. Two-thirds of orders for buildings with no lifts and before the robots, work was strenuous and slow. — SCMP
A number of Chinese movers which are using wearable exoskeleton robots to boost efficiency and prevent muscle strain have trended on mainland social media after videos of the devices were posted.
CCTV2 reported this month that more mainland moving companies have started to provide intelligent wearable exoskeleton robots for their workers to meet the demand for services in the peak summer season, with companies in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities using the technology.
Movers Hong Yanming and Nian Jihong appeared in a video wearing the exoskeleton suits while carrying two boxes each and climbing stairs.
“It is able to relieve the pressure on my shoulders,” Nian told CCTV2.
Hong said that two-thirds of their orders came from tenants living in buildings without lifts and that before the exoskeleton robots, the work was strenuous, especially while climbing stairs.
The robots record and analyse data from the wearers and make intelligent response decisions that generate force to help the wearer move about with less effort.
Lin Xichuan, the chief technology officer for an AI company that was not named in the report, said that the robot suits could transfer and lighten weights borne by the wearer.
“It can prevent movers from suffering strain of lower back muscles or other aches,” he said.
Nian said the robot suit gives an extra push to the knees while Hong said that since using the suit he is struggling less than before, and his work efficiency has improved.
Previously they could only complete two moving orders a day, but now they are likely to finish up to four.
“My earnings have increased as a result,” Hong said.
The story has drawn public interest on mainland social media after going viral.
One person commented: “Technology makes life better.”
Another person said: “How wonderful if it can be used in other industries like healthcare and transport.”
In China, exoskeleton technology is expanding to a variety of industries.
In November 2021, a company with a focus on robotics, rehabilitation medicine and artificial intelligence in eastern China used robotic exoskeleton technology to help paralysed people walk again.
Chinese logistics providers such as SF Express and YT Express have adopted exoskeletons in their warehouses, from lower back support exoskeletons for heavy lifting to chair-like reinforcement for standing workers. – South China Morning Post
