XPO Logistics rolls up Hunic exoskeleton

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has successfully completed a pilot trial of Hunic exoskeleton suit safety equipment at certain business locations and will deploy the technology in the UK and Ireland later this year.

The suits were rolled out in January at XPO Logistics network sites and some dedicated warehouses, including Crick (Scania), the Leicester Shared User Warehouse (Samsung) and the Volkswagen Group UK National Parts Distribution Centre in Dordon, Glen Dimplex and Daimler in Milton Keynes. Current users at each site are helping to train wider groups in the use of the suits.

The Hunic exoskeleton technology supports the wearer during heavy lifting tasks and ensures that their posture is correct to reduce the risk of injury. It significantly reduced worker fatigue at the five XPO depots where the suits were tested. Productivity also improved, with unloading time reduced by 15 to 20 % after the suits were used in the Samsung operations.

Ian Fox, Head of Health and Safety - UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said, "Feedback from our XPO colleagues who used the exoskeletons during the pilot was extremely positive. The wearers reported significantly less fatigue and effort during routine handling activities, which supported the decision to expand the deployment and invest in the equipment for the benefit of our colleagues. In addition, we have found that the exoskeleton helps develop good postural habits that benefit the wearer even when not using the equipment."

The Hunic exoskeleton is designed to prevent the wearer from lifting with incorrect posture. It only allows the body to rise in conjunction with safe manual Handling techniques to move. For example, it will not allow the back to perform an incorrect postural movement. The suit helps the wearer perform repetitive lifting safely while improving cycle time."

XPO's innovative end-to-end service offerings include technology-enabled logistics, truckload, part load, truck brokerage, managed transportation, last mile and freight forwarding. The company customizes its solutions to meet customer-specific needs in the consumer, commercial and industrial sectors