Exoskeletons: France Supply Chain warns of the gap between innovation and actual use, via the leaders of its prevention community

Four key success factors for successful integration

On the occasion of the Préventica Paris trade show, which took place from June 10 to 12, France Supply Chain by Aslog organized a collaborative workshop bringing together over a hundred prevention and ergonomics professionals, led in particular by Samya BELLHARI-TRAHIN Head of Ergonomics, QWL, Disability Management European Ergonomist Eur.Erg.® from GXO Logistics. The theme was: "Exoskeletons in the Supply Chain: promises kept or hopes dashed? A topical subject that deserves to be discussed.

Eight years after INRS published its guide to exoskeletons in the workplace, the question of their integration remains more topical than ever. Despite a real craze for this technology, its effective deployment still comes up against numerous obstacles. However, it is important to note that encouraging successes are also being observed, paving the way for the future of these devices in the world of work.

Promising technology... but complex terrain

The transport and logistics sector is particularly affected by musculoskeletal disorders, with back pain accounting for almost 70% of all work stoppages. Against this backdrop, exoskeletons have emerged as a major potential solution, arousing keen interest during the first demonstrations: "You can lift 25 kg like a feather! Despite this obvious potential, such equipment is still struggling to make the transition from experimentation to larger-scale integration, coming up against an operational reality that is far more complex than expected.

And yet, there are concrete examples of the successful implementation of these systems. This is the case of an employee who was suffering after an accident. Thanks to personalized medical and ergonomic support, and a gradual integration protocol, the exoskeleton enabled her to stay in work until she could use it at home, so much so that it improved her quality of life.

The keys to successful integration: four concrete levers

The lessons learned from the workshop are clear: for an exoskeleton project to work, certain conditions must be met:

1. Co-construction with the field: The active participation of operators, employee representatives, managers and ergonomists is crucial. Real-life use must guide the choice of technology, not the other way round.
2. Fine-tuned task analysis: A precise prior diagnosis of work situations is essential. This involves determining where the main efforts are located, what the environmental constraints are, and what organizational or mechanical alternatives have already been explored.
3. Accompanying change: A period of acculturation, training and gradual trials is often necessary to promote acceptance. The exoskeleton modifies postures, rhythms and habits: this takes time.
4. Stakeholder involvement: Successful projects involve a wide range of players from the medical service, engineering, purchasing, suppliers, prevention, ANACT, CARSAT, etc., with coordinated management.

A tool in a comprehensive prevention approach

Far from being a miracle solution, the exoskeleton is a potential link in an integrated prevention chain. It is no substitute for comprehensive organizational thinking, ongoing training or workstation optimization. However, if well chosen and properly supported, it can significantly improve quality of life at work and encourage job retention.

France Supply Chain is calling for a technocentric vision to be overcome. Innovation must remain at the service of people, to respond to the reality on the ground and contribute to safer, healthier and more sustainable working environments.

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