DB Schenker relies on exoskeletons across all divisions
As a result of a longterm testing and selection process, the global logistics provider DB Schenker now utilizes shoulder and back exoskeletons from SUITX by Ottobock.
The logistics giant DB Schenker is facing the same pervasive issues that are commonplace in the industry: heavy loads and unhealthy body postures leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Almost a quarter of annual sick days are attributed to this. Additionally, employees typically have longer absences, averaging up to six weeks. This not only affects current economic performance but also makes jobs unattractive to potential applicants.
DB Schenker is addressing this by using exoskeletons for various tasks across their network of locations since 2019:
_Picking and packaging in contract logistics,
_Container unloading in sea freight and logistics,
_Package handling in the parcel terminal, and
_Repackaging activities in air freight.
At all these workplaces, existing technical or organizational solutions to improve ergonomic design have already been exhausted.
A team consisting of Industrial Engineering, Lean Management, Occupational Health Management, and the worker council wanted to find out which exoskeleton type best fits each workplace and ease of integration with the existing workflow.
Sensor-based measurements serving as the basis for analyzable data
To collect valuable data, DB Schenker has partnered with SUITX by Ottobock and the startup Motion Miners for the second phase of validation. Motion Miners are experts in conducting and evaluating sensor-based measurements of movement sequences, with a focus on productivity and ergonomics. Simultaneously, employees participating in the tests and project managers are offered accompanying ergonomics coaching by trained professionals.
On basis of these measurements and upon the users feedback a framework was developed for all DB Schenker locations to facilitate the decision-making process when purchasing exoskeletons.
Through intensive training and on-site coaching, users gradually become familiar with the new technology. Moreover, the makeup of the project team at DB Schenker has shown that early and consistent involvement of the worker council and occupational health management has a very positive effect on the employees’ willingness to participate in the tests. And establishing this setup early on also has advantages for a possible long-term implementation as well.
After completing the second round of testing, DB Schenker has entered into a framework agreement with SUITX, which, in addition to products, also enables extensive service and support offerings by the ergonomics specialists at SUITX by Ottobock. The validated exoskeletons for specific workplaces can now be ordered by the branches of individual locations via the internal ordering platform and integrated into local logistical processes.
However, the project at DB Schenker is far from over. The development of exoskeletons and their integration into the working world has only just begun. The systems are constantly being jointly developed. There is particularly close exchange of experiences with the development team at SUITX regarding comfort and user-friendly operation.
Publications on the use of exoskeletons at DB Schenker
Pulse The German Blog by DB Schenker, 2024:
DB Schenker positioniert sich mit klimafreundlichen und ergonomischen Lösungen erfolgreich auf der LogiMAT 2024 (German)
TW-News Alumni Network, 2024:
Gesundheits- und Arbeitsschutz: Exoskelette Einordnung und Beitrag DB Schenker (German, PDF 5 MB)
Prävention Aktuell, 2022:
Wenn Conny zu Conan wird (German)
MM Logistik, 2022:
DB Schenker rüstet Mitarbeitende mit Exoskeletten aus (German)
Pulse The German Blog by DB Schenker, 2022:
Fokus auf Gesundheitsschutz: Exoskelette im Regelbetrieb bei DB Schenker (German)
Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warenlogistik, 2022:
Wenn "Exo" unter die Arme greift (German)
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