Soft Ironhand glove for workers

The Ironhand glove helps to strengthen the wearer's grip, so they don't have to use as much force to perform repetitive manual tasks. Bioservo, a developer, says it can increase the wearer's hand strength by 20%.

The Swedish company describes the system as a soft exoskeleton. Exoskeletons are an external device that supports and protects the body, typically increasing strength and endurance. Most have a rigid structure, but the ironhand is soft like a regular glove.

Mikael Wester, Bioservo's marketing director, says that when you have the glove on, it provides strength and reduces the effort needed when lifting objects. It's all in order to reduce fatigue and prevent strain injuries in the long run. The system consists of a backpack that houses the power pack, and artificial tendons that connect to the glove. Sensors are on each fingertip that switch on the motor when a user grabs an object. A remote control or app can be used to adjust the strength and sensitivity of the grip. Wester says applications include assembly on the production line in the automotive industry, using tools in construction and lifting heavy objects in warehouses. The Ironhand system costs around €6,000 - $7,275 and allows the company to assess the wearer's risk of developing strain injuries. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, neck and upper limb disorders are the most common occupational disease in Europe, costing national economies up to 2% of their gross national product. The glove was originally designed for workers in a very different setting to the factory floor. NASA developed an early version of the technology, called Robo-Glove, to help astronauts grasp objects and carry out work in space. The Ironhand system is used for assembling parts in the automobile industry. Bioservo licensed the design in 2016 and then partnered with auto manufacturer General Motors GM to develop the glove for its workers. Why is it that online supermarket Ocado wants to fit the jobs to the workers instead of the workers having to conform and adapt to the job, says Stephen Krajcarski, senior manager with GM's ergonomics team. By using tools such as the Ironhand, we are trying to minimize any potential concerns or physical demands that may cause a medical concern for the individual operator. Krajcarski says GM has helped Bioservo to test and improve the Ironhand by piloting it in a variety of jobs at its manufacturing plants. He says it's not suitable for all situations and that some workers have found it easy to use. The Ironhand is one of the exoskeletons that GM is looking into. The market research firm ABI Research says that the exoskeleton market will grow from $392 million in 2020 to $6.8 billion in 2030. However, this is just one of the tools that are out there, says Krajcarski.