Imagine being a dockworker who, every day, has to carry out routine tasks that require considerable physical effort, such as lashing cargo on board a ferry or a car carrier to secure the loads just before the vessel sets sail or, conversely, to unlashing them before disembarking.
Lower back pain and sciatica, ruptured discs and discopathies, wear and tear or displacement of intervertebral discs; spinal osteoarthritis. and other degenerative diseases of the spinal joints. Dockers are prone to all these conditions due to repeatedly lifting or handling heavy items.
The exoskeletons produced by Comau, based on IUVO innovative technology, are designed to counteract physical strain on the back and joints and can be worn like a life jacket. The difference is that these are made of carbon fibre and don’t have motors or batteries. They operate using springs and adjustable resistors that distribute weight ergonomically across other parts of the body.
The results, after trials and tests in Livorno lasting over two years, under the Port Network Authority’s supervision, are exceptional. Basically, it has been demonstrated that this equipment can lead, on average, to a 25% reduction in erector spinae muscle use. However, first-hand accounts from those who have tested these vests on site suggest a 60%- 70% reduction in physical exertion
Yesterday, at a press conference to showcase this technology, Davide Gariglio, President of the North Tyrrhenian Port Network Authority, personally demonstrated its value. He took off his jacket and put on an exoskeleton. He was surprised at how easily he was able to perform movements that usually require greater effort.
“On numerous occasions we have already seen how technology can reduce operating costs, improve shipping safety and speed up customs clearance times. Today marks a decisive step forward for port workers,” he said. “The port is not just about traffic and infrastructure. Above all it’s about people, and everything that improves social well-being is worth more to us than anything else.”
La Compagnia Portuale di Livorno (Livorno Dockers Company) was one of the first organizations operating in the port to recognise the benefits of this technology. It purchased two lumbar support devices. It gave itself four months to test them on site. The company aims to buy at least another 15 in the future, so that they can be more evenly distributed among its workforce.
The port of Livorno is probably one of the first ports in Europe to use this equipment systematically. The revolution has only just begun, but it is now up to workers and businesses to carry it forward.
Translation by Giles Foster
