"ReHopE" project: exoskeletons for the crafts of the future In the skilled trades, supporting activities such as carrying heavy loads, moving machines on uneven surfaces and stairs or working overhead on ladders are very demanding. Physical complaints due to incorrect strain are not infrequently the result. The aim of the "ReHopE" project coordinated by OFFIS is to counteract this by making exoskeletons that relieve strain accessible to the skilled trades.
The research project "ReHopE" aims to make exoskeletons usable for the skilled trades and to sustainably investigate the reduction of physical strain. Together with the project partners Osterhues Haustechnik GmbH, Hans Thormählen GmbH & Co. KG, Uber GmbH and Friedrich Ahlers GmbH, the OFFIS scientists want to enable the connection of humans and technology without replacing humans with machines. The result should be applicable and scalable for almost all physically demanding crafts.
An important aspect of the project and the focus of the OFFIS researchers is the sensor-based analysis of movement data. This makes it possible to proactively detect and avoid incorrect postures and stressful human movements. This not only contributes to the reduction of diseases and strains on the musculoskeletal system, but also takes into account psychological and social aspects that are of great importance for acceptance and wearing comfort. The research and development area Production of the Institute also models the manual activities and support capabilities of different exoskeleton systems and develops a digital tool for application planning. This tool enables craftspeople to effectively integrate exoskeletons into their everyday work and to benefit from the advantages of this innovative technology.
"ReHopE" has the potential to actively shape change in the crafts sector. The combination of exoskeletons, sensor-based analysis and digital planning tools can reduce physical strain, improve the health of craftspeople and increase productivity. The results of the project can lay the foundation for future applications in the skilled trades and herald an exciting future of human-technology interaction.
Further information on the project: https://rehope.offis.de/
"ReHopE" is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in the programme "Innovations for tomorrow's production, services and work" (funding code 02K20D130).
