Millions of Australians work in essential industries, facing increasing physical demands that lead to a rise in workplace injuries. A recent report from Safe Work Australia indicates that serious workers' compensation claims related to joint, ligament, and muscle injuries reached 53,000 in 2022-23, up from 49,300 the previous year. Musculoskeletal claims are also on the rise, highlighting the growing toll on workers' bodies.

In the meat-processing sector, Chris Fitzgerald, an ergonomist, is exploring how technology can help mitigate these injuries. He is currently observing workers using the Iron Hand, a high-tech glove connected to a powered backpack. "This is truly a revolutionary device," Fitzgerald stated. The exoskeleton enhances grip strength through fingertip sensors, aiding tasks that require consistent knife use, such as skinning and trimming.

Fitzgerald explained the pace of work in meat processing, noting, "In sheep processing, they'll process one every 6 seconds or so. With beef, it's probably closer to once a minute. It's repetitive. There's not a lot of relief from that." This initiative is part of a project by the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) aimed at reducing injuries in a physically demanding industry.

Initially, 20 devices were tested, but Fitzgerald has narrowed it down to six models based on positive feedback. He shared a notable comment from a worker with lacerated tendons: "My hand feels normal [after wearing it]." The AMPC is compiling data to assist abattoirs in making informed decisions about implementing such technology. However, the high cost of exoskeleton gloves, exceeding $15,000 each, poses a challenge for companies weighing the benefits of improved worker comfort and productivity against financial constraints.

Retail giant Ikea has already adopted exoskeleton technology, deploying over 400 units across 14 countries last year to reduce injuries and fatigue in warehouses. The company claims that this technology helps lessen the physical strain of heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, allowing employees to complete shifts with "more energy."

Gold Coast physiotherapist Brad Beer acknowledges both the potential benefits and drawbacks of robotic assistance in the workplace. "It's very early days," he said. "They offer potentially great promise in allowing workers to be more efficient, potentially less injury-prone, [and] potentially have a greater lifespan at work, but there can be downsides potentially as well."

Beer emphasized the importance of careful integration to avoid creating new types of strain injuries. He remains optimistic about the future of exoskeletons, likening their potential impact to that of artificial intelligence. "I wouldn't be surprised if we see [it] infiltrate into every industry," he said. "In many ways, it's an exciting time to be alive. We've never seen such rapid technological change."

In Europe, the future of exoskeleton technology may already be unfolding. In May, German Bionic introduced Exia, described as "the world's first exoskeleton powered end-to-end by true augmented AI." This device, built on extensive motion data from various sectors, can provide up to 38 kilograms of lift assistance while continuously learning from its user. "Exia doesn't merely respond or even just think — it actually learns," said CEO Armin G. Schmidt.

Back in Australia, Beer reassured that there is no need to fear a robotic takeover. "There's a fair degree of apprehension and fear that these things will take over," he noted. "They won't take people's jobs, but they'll augment them and help them." Having witnessed the physical toll of manual labor, particularly in the meat industry, Beer sees significant potential for exoskeletons to improve working conditions. "Long hours standing on their feet, performing all those repetitive movements, reaching, twisting, and carrying heavy carcasses. It's not for the faint-hearted," he said. "Having seen that firsthand, the exoskeleton integration has potentially great promise in an industry like that."