Autonomous vehicles, brick laying robots...human robots? Ok, so it's not exactly a human robot, but it is forward thinking technology that uses robotics tag teaming with a human worker to improve productivity and reduce worker fatigue. That's how I would describe the Sarcos Guardian XO and XO MAX Exoskeleton.
This exoskeleton robot suit is still in development, but I expect it will start to create a lot of buzz in the industry. Why do I think it's cool? Many reasons. But one of my first thoughts was how this will incorporate technology onto the jobsite without eliminating jobs, because a worker is still needed to operate the exoskeleton. A lot of people worry that technology such as brick laying robots may put people out of a job. That would not be the case with the Guardian XO and XO MAX. In fact, it will hopefully allow construction laborers to work longer because the exoskeleton will hopefully decrease work related injuries and strain that can shorter a construction worker's career.
What does it do?
The Guardian exoskeletons are designed to perform hours of physical activity and heavy lifting that typically would be very difficult for a single person to perform. For example, Sarcos says the XO robot can repeatedly lift and support up to 80 pounds without fatigue or strain for up to four hours straight. The XO MAX is supposed to be capable of lifting and supporting up to 200 pounds without fatigue or strain for up to eight hours straight. The robot bears all the weight while the operator doesn't bear any of the load of the exoskeleton or its payload.
The developer also says the exoskeletons require minimal operator training because they permit "natural, fluid and intuitive movement." It's designed to augment human strength and endurance without restricting an operator's precision or freedom of movement. The exoskeletons feature scaled dexterous end effectors and force feedback features allowing the operator to perform highly precise tasks with heavy tools or components.
Discover more: How Construction Exoskeletons Work: An Animated Guide
Sarcos says the robots are "energetically autonomous", which means they supply the energy to handle themselves. Plus, built-in software controls manage what should and shouldn't be done while wearing the suit to prevent any performances or tasks that would not be good for someone to do with our without the suit.
Sarcos plans to offer them under a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) framework, which means Sarcos assumes responsibility for ongoing maintenance, repair, support and operations optimization during the life of-contract for a monthly fee. As an alternative option, the company will sell the exoskeletons for purchase outright, putting the owner responsible for maintenance. The Guardian XO and XO MAX are still under development, but the exoskeleton suits could be commercially available as early as late 2019.
I am very intrigued to see how development of these exoskeletons progresses, how they are used in the construction industry and how well received it will be by construction contractors. Not only does it seem like a cool concept but it also has practical use in the industry and could also help improve safety and wellness of construction laborers.
What are your thoughts? Do you see this benefiting the construction industry? Would you use one of these exoskeletons in your company? Do you think this product will be a flop?
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