The adoption of innovative technological solutions within the traditional production lines can take place in different ways, also in order to increase the well-being of the operators. This is the goal pursued by Nissan with an initiative that will affect the Spanish plant of Zona Franca, located in Barcelona, starting next year.
Nissan brings an exoskeleton to the factory
The staff will be equipped with an exoskeleton that can reduce muscle fatigue by up to 60% during the performance of tasks such as lifting a weight or mounting a component that will form a part of the vehicle, going to support legs, shoulders and back, also reducing the risk of injury.
The unit is nearing the end of its testing phase that has seen the Nissan Motor Iberica division at work since the beginning of 2018, working on five prototypes with different designs and characteristics. Involved 14 employees who provided their feedback.
The exoskeleton is made of alloy with a variable weight between 1.5 and 3 kg. It is designed to be useful above all to those who keep their arms raised for most of the turn, as shown in the images and in the video attached to this article, working on the underside of the cars.
The project has been implemented through collaboration with CIAC (Clúster de la Indústria d’Automoció de Catalunya), Eurecat Technology Centre and UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya). These are the words of Lluís Sellarès, Production Engineering Manager of the Nissan Motor Iberian assembly plant in Zona Franca.
At Nissan, we believe that innovation must transform not only the way people lead but also the way they live. Our technologies are synonymous with quality for customers and it is right that they also contribute to improving the working conditions of our employees. We are proud to be part of a historic project for the sector, which will be a springboard to fine-tune the ergonomic support of production workers in all the plants.
