Vizonix / Aviation / Toolbox / Recruiting / Comau passive exoskeletons for baggage handlers at Bologna Airport (GH Italia)
Recruiting
Comau passive exoskeletons for baggage handlers at Bologna Airport (GH Italia)
Ground handler GH Italia has introduced exoskeletons at Bologna's Marconi airport for staff who move bags from the check-in conveyors onto the carts that go to the aircraft hold, Italian news agency DIRE reported on October 29. The devices, made by Comau and certified, are carbon fiber frames worn like a small backpack, strapped to the arms and around the hips with padded straps. They are passive and mechanical, with no motor or battery: springs and elastic materials store energy as the wearer bends and give it back during the lift. They help the wearer move their back correctly and reduce the load on shoulders and arms. The airport says the maker estimates they can ease the load on arms, shoulders and back by up to 50%. GH Italia has enough devices to cover a whole team per shift, each adjustable to the wearer. Bologna is the first test site, and GH Italia aims to extend the devices to other Italian airports afterward.
Why it can make you money
Back and shoulder injuries are a main reason ramp and baggage staff go out on leave or quit, and every lost handler is another hire to recruit and train. A passive exoskeleton has no battery to charge and costs far less than a powered suit, so it is an easy pilot. Before you buy, ask your staff to wear one for a full shift, and compare injury reports and sick days before and after, since the 50% figure is the maker's estimate.
- Pricing
- Not published; contact Comau
- External link
- https://www.comau.com/
- Source
- https://www.dire.it/29-10-2026/1282290-si-indossa-come-uno-zaino-e-dimezza-il-peso-dei-bagagli-un-esoscheletro-aiuta-i-facchini-allaeroporto-di-bologna/