#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Nornickel is preparing to launch serial production of industrial exoskeletons, which promise to revolutionize the approach to labor-intensive physical tasks in production. The innovative devices will be designed to support workers in difficult working conditions, reducing physical strain and the risk of injury. The exoskeleton weighing 20 kilograms is attached to the body and takes on most of the physical strain. The obvious advantages are increased productivity and a higher level of safety.
The exoskeleton project, which is in its final stages, is based on modern technologies, including robotics. They are manufactured at the facilities of the contract business CP Stratasis, which is engaged in the production of parts, metalworking and assembly of high-tech equipment.
The developer company’s representatives and the Nornickel Sputnik innovation and artificial intelligence department’s chief manager came to Norilsk to demonstrate the industrial innovative device. The new model presentation was held with the support of the Nornickel’s Polar Branch’s industrial safety and labor protection department at the sites of the specialized mining equipment enterprise of the Polar Branch, the Polar Construction Company and the Norilsknickelremont enterprise.
“Since the exoskeleton is a tool, it is mainly made of metal – this is duralumin and stainless steel. In its production, technologies are used, including numerical control and metal printing. As for the textile elements, non-woven fabrics are used, which are resistant to dirt and moisture. Composite materials are also used in the back cover design. The exoskeleton maintenance is quite simple and includes cleaning and lubrication. Of the replaceable components, these are primarily cable elements, which over time are still subject to replacement due to wear”, added Konstantin Zhukov, CEO of CP Stratasis.
All components of this exoskeleton model are Russian-made. According to safety requirements, the portable robot can easily lift a weight of up to 45 kilograms, and can also lift 60 kilograms.
“This is a sample that is at the pre-production stage. We wanted to demonstrate our vision of the future serial sample, as well as describe the process of its development, taking into account not only technological aspects, but also legal issues. We wanted the company’s employees to share their thoughts on what is missing in the model to perform their production tasks, and think about the areas in which they would need an exoskeleton. This will help us prepare a serial batch and give them the opportunity to test the product during pilot tests”, commented Vladislav Davydov, chief manager of the Nornickel Sputnik innovation and artificial intelligence department.
The upcoming pilot tests of the first ten exoskeleton samples, produced in series, are scheduled for November. Next year, their number is planned to be increased to one hundred.
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Text: Anzhelika Stepanova, Photo: Nornickel Polar Branch’s press service