Physical exertion in the retail sector is an integral part of many operational processes. Throughout their shifts, employees are constantly moving between the shop floor and warehouse, working on stairs, handling goods and covering considerable distances. Under these conditions, staff endurance directly affects the organisation and continuity of daily operations.
For companies, this presents a particular challenge: maintaining employee efficiency throughout a long shift without placing unnecessary physical strain on the workforce.
Hypershell in a real-world working environment
That is why employees at the CeTe – Centre for Technology. Epicentre chain tested the Hypershell exoskeleton directly in their everyday working environment.
The testing made it possible to assess the technology not in a laboratory setting, but in the real-world rhythm of retail — over a full working shift, with constant movement between work areas, stair use and routine operational tasks.
A working day in this environment can last more than 8 hours, with the total distance covered during a shift reaching up to 20 km. On average, an employee takes 12,000–15,000 steps, frequently changing pace and direction.
This makes the scenario particularly relevant for assessing wearable robotic technologies: even moderate physical activity, repeated thousands of times throughout the working day, can result in significant cumulative strain.
Practical benefits of using the exoskeleton
Following the testing, users reported noticeable support while walking, particularly a reduction in perceived strain in the legs and lower back. Support when navigating stairs — one of the more physically demanding aspects of the working day — was also highlighted.
For the retail sector, this is particularly relevant because physical exertion often results not from a single intensive task, but from the cumulative effect of repetitive movements throughout an entire shift.
Hypershell works directly with the user. Its intelligent support system adapts to the user’s movements and assists during walking and other physically active tasks without fundamentally changing the natural movement pattern.
Operational value for the retail sector
An exoskeleton can be considered an additional tool for managing physical workload in environments characterised by high levels of employee mobility.
Depending on the specific work scenario, the technology may be relevant for:
- prolonged periods on one’s feet;
- constant movement between retail and warehouse areas;
- working on stairs;
- repetitive physical tasks;
- processes where full automation is impractical or impossible.
In such conditions, the exoskeleton does not replace the employee. Instead, it provides technological support where physical presence remains essential.
This opens up an additional avenue for optimisation in retail: alongside the automation of warehouse, logistics and other processes, businesses can implement technologies designed specifically to support employees performing physically demanding tasks.
From testing to practical implementation
The CeTe – Centre for Technology. Epicentre case demonstrates the importance of testing wearable robotic technologies directly in the working environment. This approach makes it possible to assess how well a solution fits specific operations, working conditions and the physical demands placed on employees.
Robotics Distribution — the exclusive distributor of Hypershell in Ukraine, which ranks among the top 10 IT distributors in Ukraine and is part of the DroneUA group of companies. The company is developing the robotic exoskeleton segment through demonstrations, practical testing and partnership projects, helping businesses identify suitable scenarios for implementing the technology.
For us, partnership means more than simply showcasing a technology. It means testing it in real-world conditions, gathering feedback from users and jointly assessing its potential for further implementation.
Robotics Distribution is expanding its partner network and opening up opportunities for businesses interested in implementing and distributing modern mobility-support technologies. If you work in retail, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture or other sectors where physical labour is part of the work process, please contact the Robotics Distribution team to learn more about the available partnership options.
Fill in the partner form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedx1T87kvREM1IKtaH7eNfKbtpJlxltc07WyzZNwZ5IjFujQ/viewform
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