John Deere deploys multiple MATE-XT exoskeletons to bring better ergonomic sustainability to its employees

Based on EMG analysis, the wearable robotic device can effectively reduce biomechanical risks by 50%, while keeping muscles at rest for 98.5% of physical activity time

The slim, highly breathable exoskeleton provides ergonomic all-day support, designed to improve the quality and precision of repetitive tasks

MATE-XT is waterproof, dustproof, UV-resistant and heat-resistant, making it an ideal choice for harsh working conditions and environments

Comau has equipped John Deere with multiple MATE-XT wearable exoskeletons to help maintain the physical health of workers, reduce physical stress and reduce the ergonomic risks they face in parts logistics operations. MATE-XT accurately replicates all shoulder movements, helping employees perform their work comfortably by reducing muscle fatigue without limiting mobility or feeling cumbersome. It is ergonomically designed and easily adjustable to accommodate a variety of body types – changing the length of the shoulder straps and the required level of assistance can be quickly achieved according to the worker’s body or the type of work in just a few simple steps. Comau worked closely with John Deere to deploy the exoskeleton in daily operations and conduct hands-on training at John Deere’s 75,000 square meter parts distribution center in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil.

With parts often delivered the next day, John Deere employees must select, sort and pack hundreds of parts every day. This work involves repetitive movements of the arms, shoulders and back. The highly breathable design of MATE-XT, like wearing a backpack, provides comfortable, ergonomic all-day support to improve the quality and precision of manual work. In addition to providing efficient postural support, MATE-XT is also EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment for Work) certified, which allows John Deere to objectively measure ergonomic improvements and expected benefits in terms of reduced muscle fatigue and execution speed.

Even when handling small and light objects, repetitive movements that seem effortless can take a toll on the body. To help John Deere quantify the benefits of using MATE-XT, Comau performed an electromyography analysis of ergonomic risk factors. MATE-XT allows muscles to rest 98.5% of the time (compared to 2.4% without MATE-XT).

In addition, Comau’s MATE-XT ensures proper muscle balance while optimizing the energy expenditure required to stabilize and maintain the weight of the arm. With the exoskeleton, only 10% of the operator’s maximum force is required to maintain arm stability. In addition to specific performance-based results such as process optimization and productivity gains, it also improves employee comfort and well-being. MATE-XT is helping John Deere reduce ergonomic risks and reduce muscle overload by 68%.

Laerte Scarpitta, General Manager of Comau Americas, said: “We extend our commitment to providing customers with innovative automation technologies to exploring new ways to ensure that workers can carry out their daily work safely in various markets and different application environments. With MATE-XT, an easy-to-use wearable exoskeleton, John Deere effectively reduces muscle fatigue and reduces mechanical stress on workers’ backs, waists, arms and shoulders, creating greater added value and more practical benefits. This is another example of the value that robotics brings to us.
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