Warehouse logistics is one of the sectors where physical labour remains an integral part of day-to-day operations. Spending long periods on their feet, constantly moving goods, and loading and unloading cargo place significant physical strain on workers throughout a shift.
For businesses, this is not merely a matter of working conditions. Physical strain is directly linked to work organisation, effective workforce management and the ability to maintain a consistent pace of work throughout a shift.
The exoskeleton as a tool for supporting workers
One technological solution for such scenarios is the use of active robotic exoskeletons. They do not replace workers or automate individual tasks, but work alongside them, supporting movement during physically demanding activities.
Hypershell uses an intelligent support system that adapts to the user’s movements in real time. Depending on the operating mode, the exoskeleton can provide support during walking, climbing, moving around and other physical activities.
Robotics Distribution — the exclusive distributor of Hypershell in Ukraine — ranks among the top 10 IT distributors in Ukraine and is part of the DroneUA group of companies.
Practical testing at the RUD warehouse
The technology’s capabilities were tested directly in a warehouse environment. Employees of RUD tested two models — the Hypershell X Pro and Hypershell X Carbon — throughout a working day.
The testing focused on the ease of use of the exoskeletons during activities involving prolonged movement, extended periods on their feet and the handling of goods.
Key features of the models include:
- up to 40% movement assistance;
- up to 30% reduction in physical strain;
- real-time adaptation of movement support;
- multiple support modes depending on the activity;
- control and configuration via a mobile app.
The practical testing format makes it possible to assess not only the technical parameters of the devices, but also how well the exoskeletons fit into specific work scenarios.
Performance in low-temperature conditions
Operating conditions presented an additional test for the technology. Staff may spend part of their working hours in areas where temperatures can fall as low as −20 °C, making cold-weather performance an important consideration.
The Hypershell X Pro and X Carbon are equipped with Anti-Cold batteries designed to operate in temperatures ranging from −20 to +50 °C.
Depending on the operating mode, battery life is up to 3–3.5 hours in HYPER mode and up to 6 hours in ECO mode. This allows the operating mode to be selected according to the level of physical activity and the duration of individual work operations.
Operational value for warehouse logistics
The use of exoskeletons in warehouse operations can be viewed as an additional tool for managing workers’ physical workload.
The technology may be relevant for operations involving:
- prolonged periods on workers’ feet;
- significant movement throughout a shift;
- repetitive physical tasks;
- handling goods and loads;
- work in low-temperature environments.
For employers, this creates an opportunity to provide technological support in situations where full automation of a process is impractical or impossible. At the same time, the specific benefits of using an exoskeleton should be assessed based on the work scenario, nature of the workload, shift duration and the specific requirements of each business.
For Robotics Distribution, practical testing is part of a systematic approach to implementing robotic technologies. The company not only supplies equipment but also helps partners assess potential application scenarios and determine the feasibility of integrating the technology into specific processes.
Robotics Distribution is developing a partner network and opening up opportunities for businesses interested in implementing and distributing modern mobility-support technologies. If you work in warehouse logistics, retail, manufacturing 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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