Hidria in Jesenice received a very special visit. Together with our colleagues , the scientists and experts from the Jozef Stefan Institute and the company S2P tested the functioning of an exoskeleton in practice. The media house Euronews recorded a special report about it which will be broadcast in 430 million households in 130 countries.

The word exoskeleton is currently a dominant word describing wearable systems that provide some physical interaction with the person wearing them. An exoskeleton is special electronic device in which a human looks like a semi-robot; it can physically stimulate or intentionally limit certain movements or for example make it easy to lift heavy objects.

In Slovenia, the Jožef Stefan Institute is engaged in the research, testing and prototyping of such devices. The Institute is also involved in the international SPEXOR project for the study, research and development of a trunk exoskeleton for the prevention and rehabilitation of people with lower back pain.

This is a modern and innovative approach to protecting the health of employees, as exoskeletons can be a new technological solution to assist workers in physical labour. Scientists and testing promise to prevent muscular and skeletal disorders associated with manual load shifting, repetitive movements, twisting, flexing, and fatiguing body positions.

This interesting and instructive testing was also recorded by the international Euronews media house. In addition to showing the project's achievements and prototypes of the solutions developed, they also recorded statements from researchers, a physician, and examples of work activities that include maintained leaning positions and lifting and shifting loads. The report will be soon available on their website and other media, and broadcast in 430 million households in 130 countries.