Anyone who’s been to a do-it-yourself store knows that they’re stocked to the brim with big, heavy objects. And the biggest and heaviest usually require the aid of a sales associate or two to move. And that’s where the exoskeleton comes in.
Lowe’s has partnered with Virginia Tech to develop a passive exoskeleton to make their employees jobs a little easier… and a lot less backbreaking. The exoskeleton uses carbon fiber leaf springs to store energy as the wearer bends, then releases that energy as they straighten out. They’ve also been designed for comfort; an important thing, considering they’re meant to be worn for an entire work shift.
There are only four exoskeletons in testing right now, however. Lowe’s and Virginia Tech want to make sure they have as much long term data on the effects of use as possible. Still, there may be a day where the sales guy is a bit less grumpy about having to help you with that 5 gallon paint bucket.
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