IKEA Focuses on Workplace Health with Exoskeletons

November 25, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

The innovative wearable device, developed by a division of German-based Ottobock, the world leader in prosthetics, is designed to reduce physical strain on workers during tasks such as lifting, carrying, and other repetitive movements. The rollout highlights the IKEA commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its global workforce while adapting to increasing customer demands.

Addressing Workplace Challenges with Innovation

While automation has alleviated some manual tasks involving heavy lifting for workers, IKEA has continued to seek innovative ways to enhance workplace ergonomics. This drive led to the exploration of exoskeleton technology, which has now become an essential part of IKEA fulfilment operations.

“Our collaboration with SUITX by Ottobock is a testament of how IKEA continues to invest in its people’s wellbeing,” says Marcus Baumgartner, Global Head of Fulfilment & Services, for IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Exoskeletons aim to minimize the negative impact of physical workload and fatigue on our co-workers’ health. Thus, ensuring better quality of life both in and out of work, including reducing strains and giving our co-workers more energy after shifts.”

Key Benefits for Workers

Through biochemical energy redistribution, exoskeletons are designed to redistribute forces within the body. They capture and store kinetic energy generated during movement and release it when needed, providing support to specific body regions. The introduction of exoskeletons is already showing tangible benefits:

• Reduced Physical Strain: Mechanical support reduces stress on muscles and joints, particularly during heavy lifting. One IKEA worker shared, “Thanks to the exoskeleton, I still have energy left to lift and play with my kids after a work shift.”
• Enhanced Safety: The devices significantly lower the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. According to David Duwe, Vice President of SUITX at Ottobock Europe, “User posture improved by up to 65% over several weeks, based on daily sensor measurements. Knees and legs are used more often with a stable, straight back, reducing strain on the lower back and spine.”
• A More Inclusive Workplace: Exoskeletons make tasks more accessible, fostering a more diverse workforce and creating ergonomic working conditions that appeal to potential workers.

A Global Movement

With exoskeletons already in use across 14 countries, IKEA is set to expand the program further, with India, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Japan, and China joining soon.

To identify, and implement these solutions effectively, the company needed to think collectively and collaboratively. ‘’We are committed to embracing cooperation to make the workplace better for co-workers who are providing great furnishing solutions for our customers,” says Peter Ac, Development Network Leader, at Inter IKEA.