Stamina enhancement: Drilling Performance

Courtesy of Equipois

The x-Ar exoskeletal arm from Equipois supports the arms of workers performing fine metalworking tasks, such as manual drilling, and enables them to exert less effort.

“Hello boss, I won’t be able to come in today because I injured my left arm at work yesterday,” reports your top metal finisher. Performing fine metalworking and other manipulation tasks using outstretched arms for long periods of time causes worker fatigue, discomfort and possible injury, according to Eric W. Golden, president and CEO of Equipois Inc. Those tasks include manual drilling, grinding, engraving, part gaging, assembly, probing and soldering.

To overcome those problems, the company developed the x-Ar exoskeletal arm that attaches to a worker’s forearm and supports the arm through its range of motion or holds it steady in place. “Activities where people have to work with their arms outstretched are very tough on the shoulder,” Golden said. “Over the course of months and years, it’s pretty common for people to have to undergo surgery or at least take time off. Our goal is to eliminate those sorts of problems for the worker.”

He added that the device, which has a weight support capacity of about 14 lbs., enables workers to exert less effort, effectively increasing their stamina and strength. “If you don’t get tired when you work, it means you can be a lot more effective and precise,” Golden said. “You can work faster for longer without putting your body at risk.”