Improved ergonomics and reduced musculoskeletal fatigue for workers using the wearable robotic device developed by Comau and IUVO

Grugliasco (Turin), July 1st, 2020 - Comau MATE is the first exoskeleton on the market to receive the EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certification, which attests its effectiveness in reducing the "risk of biomechanical overload" of the upper limbs. Based on the evaluation system promoted by Ergo Foundation, Italy's reference for the organization and measurement of work and ergonomics, the successful recognition studied workers who used MATE to perform daily tasks requiring flexion-extension of the arms.

This results in an average decrease in the ergonomic scores of 30% for the shoulder in static position and 25% for dynamic movements of the shoulder, even when considering the handling of small loads.
This certification proves Comau meets the expectations of companies that need to understand concretely how an industrial exoskeleton like MATE can impact their operations. More specifically, to what degree it can reduce the physical stress of their employees, helping them to carry out their tasks in a more comfortable way, reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal pathologies over time.

"Comau is proud that the MATE exoskeleton is awarded EAWS certification from the Ergo Foundation", explains Duilio Amico, Marketing and Network Development Director of Comau Robotics & Automation Products. "This result is a further confirmation of the importance of investing in the development of innovative devices, as wearable robotics, to improve the way operators work and make production processes safer and more sustainable".

Developed by Comau in partnership with IUVO, a spin-off of the BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, and ÖSSUR, a leading Icelandic company in the field of non-invasive orthopedic devices, MATE is a passive mechanical exoskeleton that stands out for its capacity to support the shoulders and arms in their natural movement. It allows workers to feel less physical fatigue, thus improving the overall quality of their activities.



About Comau
Comau, a member of the FCA Group, is a worldwide leader in delivering advanced industrial automation products and systems. Its portfolio includes technology and systems for electric, hybrid and traditional vehicle manufacturing, industrial robots, collaborative and wearable robotics, autonomous logistics, dedicated machining centers and interconnected digital services and products able to transmit, elaborate and analyze machine and process data. With over 45 years of experience and a strong presence within every major industrial country, Comau is helping manufacturers of all sizes in almost any industry experience higher quality, increased productivity, faster time-to-market and lower overall costs. The company's offering also extends to project management and consultancy, as well as maintenance and training for a wide range of industrial segments. Headquartered in Turin, Italy, Comau has an international network of 7 innovation centers, 5 digital hubs, 8 manufacturing plants and employs more than 9,000 people in 14 countries. A global network of distributors and partners allows the company to respond quickly to the needs of customers, no matter where they are located throughout the world. Through the training activities organized by its Academy, Comau is also committed to developing the technical and managerial knowledge necessary for companies to face the challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0.
www.comau.com