July 12, 2021
Device designed to give aerial porters enhanced lifting, pushing support for handling big loads with fewer injuries
Although it may not yet be at the level of Iron Man’s exoskeleton, a new power and endurance device from Arizona State University is giving U.S. Air Force aerial porters enhanced levels of safety and strength on the job.
The Aerial Port Exoskeleton, or APEx, provides Air Force aerial porters responsible for loading pallets and lifting cargo onto aircraft increased lifting and pushing support.
“The fundamental purposes of APEx are worker wellness and making pushing and lifting easier and safer,” said Thomas Sugar, an ASU professor of systems engineering and primary investigator on the project.