What standards apply to exoskeletons?
To date, there is no harmonised European standard specific to exoskeletons. However, their design relies on general safety and ergonomics requirements, similar to the standard:
- EN ISO 13688: general requirements for protective clothing, applicable to ergonomics, comfort and safety.
- CE marking: guarantees compliance with European safety requirements for personal protective equipment.
It is essential to check the compliance of each exoskeleton with these requirements to ensure safety and reliability during professional use.
The different types of exoskeleton and their trade uses
Exoskeletons come in different forms depending on the part of the body to be supported: models for the back, upper limbs or the whole torso. They are suited to heavy handling, repetitive tasks or maintaining extended postures in industry, logistics or construction. To strengthen MSD prevention, an exoskeleton can be combined with a lumbar belt for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. The choice of exoskeleton type depends on the specific constraints of each trade and the type of strain to be reduced.
Maintenance and monitoring advice for exoskeletons
To preserve the performance and safety of exoskeletons, rigorous maintenance practices should be adopted. Regularly clean surfaces using a soft cloth and non-aggressive products, while avoiding excessive moisture that could damage mechanical or electronic components. Storage should take place in a clean, dry space, away from dust and significant temperature variations. Frequently inspect joints, straps, adjustment systems and fastening elements: look for any sign of wear, deformation, cracking or loosening. A thorough check or replacement of the parts concerned is recommended in the event of an anomaly. Follow the check frequency indicated by the manufacturer to guarantee the reliability and durability of the exoskeleton, particularly during intensive use for strain reduction.
Essential points for choosing a suitable exoskeleton
Choosing an exoskeleton or strain-reduction equipment involves analysing several technical and contextual specifics. Compatibility with other PPE, such as protective clothing meeting harmonised standards, should be checked. Ergonomics, comfort and ease of adjustment are major criteria, as is the mobility required at the workstation. It is also important to consider daily usage time and suitability for the constraints specific to every professional environment. The exoskeleton must integrate effectively into work organisation in order to optimise risk prevention and user wellbeing.