Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) states it has actually come to be a champ in using ingenious exoskeleton fit modern technology.
The Robotics Subcommittee (RSC), an area of the NNSY Technology as well as Innovation Community of Practice (T&I POLICE), has actually been looking into the ingenious modern technology for several years, establishing what would certainly best have the ability to enhance the health and wellness, safety and security, as well as effectiveness of the shipyard employee.
Together with safety and security agents, the group has actually acquired as well as presented the shipyard to the Levitate Airframe exoskeleton fit. This adaptable power fit or arm or leg device modern technology has the ability to lower pressure on crucial joints in the body as well as make it simpler for the individual to be functional as well as risk-free while raising, reducing, or doing considerable labor.
The fit is light-weight as well as when a staff member is educated to use it, they can fit themselves as well as reach operate in much less than a min.
“Our team with the RSC is determined to find the most promising technology that could make a huge impact on our workers who put in the time and energy on a daily basis,” stated RSCLead Edwin Guerra “Our main focus in the T&I COP is to improve the health and safety of our waterfront workers and increase their quality of life. They are doing the day-to-day operations and straining their bodies to get the job done. But with technologies like the exoskeleton suit, we are able to certify and fit our workforce with something that can reduce the risk of injury and also be comfortable to use.”
During a current Temporary Facilities as well as Tool Control Safety Committee conference, Guerra as well as Ergonomics Program Manager James Musgrove gave a presentation of the convenience of usage of the exoskeleton as well as supplied instances of exactly how the matches can be made use of in day-to-day procedures.
“Our team has put in the legwork to test out these suits and get them certified for shipyard use,” statedMusgrove “We do these demonstrations and briefs to bring it directly to [shipyard departments] we think would best benefit from them. Each interested user would need to be briefed and complete the training provided by the Production Training Division. We work with them to know how to put on the suit, how it works, and in time we want these suits to be used widespread across the waterfront. It’s a tool that we want to ensure everyone knows is out there and available to them.”
“We also listen to the feedback from the workforce which tests the suits during these demonstrations,” statedGuerra “Are there versions that are non-conductive for electricians to use? Are they flame resistant for welders? We take the feedback given and we look towards what options we have with the technology so we can get them into their hands to see if it works for them. We want to do everything with the worker in mind.”
Tool Control Manager James Panikowsky stated, “Right now we only have four suits and we’re going to be checking them out for a 30-day period. We want our people to get briefed and trained to use this technology. It’s a tool that could truly make the difference in their day-to-day operations.”
Guerra included, “It comes down to participation in utilizing what technologies we have available. We are leading the charge at NNSY in exoskeleton suit technology for the command and being able to show Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) that this technology is able to improve our shipyard as a whole and the demand is there, we can see more and more technologies similar to it coming through the gates for us to utilize. This is a huge win for the shipyard and we want to keep that momentum going. We saw a need to help our workers on the job and we were able to take the steps to make changes happen. That’s what innovation is all about: bringing change for the better.”
