Exoskeletons and robots for handling objects β Reference Guide
Scope: objects only. This guidance covers the handling of inanimate objects, materials and loads.
Technology may assist selected object-handling tasks or remove a repeated movement. First consider task redesign and the whole system. A product claim, trial or deployment announcement is not proof of long-term injury prevention.
Wearable exoskeletons
Passive devices use mechanisms such as elastic elements or springs; powered devices use actuators. Manufacturer examples include the passive Auxivo LiftSuit and powered German Bionic Exia. HUNIC SoftExo is another passive product family; it is distinct from the Auxivo and German Bionic examples.
A wearable may assist a particular movement yet shift pressure, restrict movement or affect balance. Fit, comfort, other protective equipment, different tasks, cleaning, maintenance and emergency arrangements all need assessment. Do not increase an individual's lifting allowance because a device is worn. NIOSH explains the potential benefits and uncertainties in Industrial Exoskeletons. Suitability depends on the real task and worker feedback; short-term measures such as muscle activity or perceived effort do not establish long-term injury reduction.
A 2025 study by Kazemi, Shayan and Srinivasan compared repetitive box lifting in 16 participants with no exoskeleton, a passive device and a powered device. The powered device improved endurance and reduced perceived exertion compared with no device; neither device significantly reduced back discomfort. This small, task-specific study did not demonstrate long-term injury prevention.
Reported uses of robots
Examples of tasks robots can perform. This illustration does not depict any named product. Generic course illustration.- GXO reported a commercial deployment of Agility Digit following a pilot, transferring totes onto conveyors. See its 2024 deployment announcement.
- Amazon describes Sparrow for individual-item picking and handling in its operations robotics account.
- Boston Dynamics reports Stretch deployed for DHL container unloading. Its subsequent memorandum concerning more than 1,000 additional robots describes planned expansion, not a completed installation of that number. See the 2025 DHL announcement.
- Robotic arms can be considered for repetitive packaging or transfer. This is an application category, not evidence of a particular local installation.
New equipment means new hazards
Consider unexpected movement, impact, crushing, trapping and electrical hazards, together with people entering the operating space during faults or maintenance. Follow assessed separation, guarding and access controls. Only authorised people should clear faults using the agreed safe isolation procedure. A robot working near people is not automatically safe because it is described as collaborative. See NIOSH workplace robotics guidance.
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