INTRODUCING MATE-XT: COMAU’S NEW RUGGEDIZED YET LIGHTWEIGHT EXOSKELETON FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE

• Taking MATE to the eXTreme, it is water, dust, UV-light and temperature resistant, making it ideal for difficult applications and environments • The only EAWS-certified exoskeleton for effectively reducing biomechanical risk for workers now features a slim, highly breathable design with improved regulation settings • Unique and measurable ergonomic improvement enables calculable ROI, based on certified cycle time reductions

Grugliasco (Turin), December 2, 2020 - Comau unveils MATE-XT, a new version of its wearable exoskeleton that fully accommodates the specific needs of workers in demanding industrial, non-industrial and open-air environments. Featuring a slim, lightweight carbon fiber structure and an intuitive regulation system, the water, dust, UV-light and temperature resistant design can be quickly adjusted to fit virtually any body frame. MATE-XT is also highly breathable, thanks to an enhanced high-performance fabric construction specific for outdoor activities. Perfect for carpentry, construction, agriculture, assembly, logistics and more, MATE-XT replicates the user's physiological shoulder movements to provide optimal upper body support without batteries, motors or other failure-prone devices. Moreover, it offers 8 different levels of assistance that can be quickly set - or changed - by the worker without interrupting the task at hand.

MATE-XT is the only commercially-available exoskeleton with EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certification, attesting to its ability to reduce biomechanical loads during strenuous tasks. It also improves work quality and wellbeing in a consistent, efficient and highly ergonomic manner. This enables customers to calculate ROI with measurable ergonomic performance.
Based on studies conducted at customers' sites using the EAWS worksheet, Comau estimates that the wearable exoskeleton can help workers increase accuracy during overhead tasks by 27% and execution speed by 10%. It can also reduce cycle times by at least 5%. From an operational standpoint, MATE-XT facilitates increased precision, quality, and performance. It reduces shoulder muscle activity by 30% and diminishes the effort felt by workers, with more than 50% of workers reporting beneficial upgrades in job quality.
"MATE-XT is an extension of our commitment to productivity and well-being in industrial, non-industrial and outdoor settings, which is a fundamental pillar of our HUMANufacturing approach," explains Pietro Ottavis, Chief Technology Officer of Comau. "We believe the global market for exoskeletons shows a 5-year CAGR of up to 40%, where the industrial sector will represent close to half of this. We have reduced the weight and bulk of MATE-XT while increasing its performance to better meet the needs of the extended exoskeleton market. Furthermore, we are proud to have developed this new exoskeleton in close collaboration with our partners, IUVO and Össur, and the many workers who use it to execute their tasks with less fatigue."

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

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