Exoskeletons: The Future of Warehouse Workforce Empowerment

The Warehouse Labor Challenge

In recent years, the logistics industry has faced significant challenges in warehouse operations, particularly when it comes to staffing. Since 2018, labor shortages have been a persistent issue, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these difficulties. The consequent lockdowns and shifts in consumer behavior have further strained the industry, making it increasingly challenging to meet the growing demands of e-commerce and supply chain operations.

One of the most pressing concerns is the high turnover rate among blue-collar employees in logistics and transportation, which can reach up to 70%. This volatility makes it exceptionally difficult for businesses to maintain consistent operations and meet profit margins. Despite high unemployment rates, there remains a low uptake for warehousing roles, emphasizing the critical need to retain quality personnel.

Beyond Monetary Incentives

While some companies have turned to offering increased wages or other financial incentives to attract and retain workers, recent surveys suggest that this approach may not be sufficient. In fact, 78% of employee turnover is attributed to factors unrelated to wages. This revelation highlights the importance of addressing other aspects of the work environment to create a more appealing and sustainable workplace.

To truly tackle the challenges of workforce retention, companies must consider a holistic approach that includes:

• Improved working conditions
• Flexible shift scheduling
• Comprehensive benefits packages
• Opportunities for career growth and development

However, these traditional solutions may not be enough in today's competitive landscape. The question remains: how can businesses offer something that money can't buy, such as improved quality of life, reduced physical strain, and long-term career opportunities?

Enter the Exoskeleton: A Game-Changing Solution

At the 2021 A+A Conference held at the Fraunhofer IPA in Dusseldorf, Germany, DB SCHENKER and Ottobock presented an innovative solution to address these challenges: exoskeletons. These external frames, worn to support the body, have the potential to enhance human strength, provide relief to users, and drive significant productivity gains in warehouse operations.

Exoskeletons, powered by electric motors or the wearer's own body energy, offer limbs extra movement and strength. This technology not only enhances biological capacities but also contributes to creating a more attractive working environment in an era of skilled worker shortages.

DB SCHENKER's Exoskeleton Implementation: A Case Study

Gerald Müller, Vice President of Industrial Engineering at DB SCHENKER, shared insights from their implementation of non-motorized exoskeletons that work with the body's energy (known as energy harvesting). The company conducted a test phase in July 2021 to evaluate the impact of exoskeletons on warehouse operations.

The results were highly encouraging:

• Significant relief was recorded for users lifting and carrying goods
• Workflows were evaluated both with and without exoskeletons
• DB SCHENKER employees showed high acceptance of the exoskeletons
• Productivity increased due to reduced employee fatigue
• Improved posture in load handling was observed

Two key outcomes stood out from the test phase:

1. The perceived overall burden per blue-collar employee was reduced by approximately 23 tons per week when unloading containers.
2. Using the exoskeleton increased handling time by about 19% during container unloading and palletizing tasks.

Müller emphasized an important lesson learned from their experience: "There isn't one exoskeleton that is suitable for all applications. Different types are needed depending on the process requirements. Even where the goal of promoting health remains the same."

The Future of Exoskeletons in Warehouse Operations

The potential applications for exoskeletons extend beyond the warehouse setting. These devices can serve as valuable tools in various areas, including:

• Medical exoskeletons designed to assist individuals with mobility disorders
• Occupational support in physically demanding industries

As technology continues to advance, it's expected that exoskeletons will undergo further development and refinement in the coming years. The benefits of implementing exoskeletons in warehouse operations are multifaceted:

1. Injury Prevention: Exoskeletons can help prevent both immediate injuries and those that develop over time due to repetitive stress.
2. Employee Retention: When workers feel valued and cared for, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term and demonstrate increased productivity.
3. Effective Labor Utilization: By investing in automation and technology like exoskeletons, companies can make more efficient use of their existing workforce.
4. Future-Proofing: As labor challenges persist or potentially worsen, businesses that have already integrated exoskeleton technology will be better positioned to adapt and thrive.

The Role of FreightAmigo in Embracing Warehouse Innovation

At FreightAmigo, we understand the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and embracing innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by our clients. As a full-service, one-stop Digital Logistics Platform, we are committed to helping organizations transform and redefine their logistics experience.

While we don't directly provide exoskeleton technology, our Digital Logistics Solution can complement and enhance the benefits of such innovations in warehouse operations. Here's how FreightAmigo can support businesses looking to optimize their warehouse efficiency and workforce management:

1. Streamlined Operations: Our Digital Platform integrates various aspects of the supply chain, allowing for better coordination between warehouse operations and transportation logistics. This seamless integration can help maximize the benefits of exoskeleton implementation by ensuring smooth workflows.
2. Data-Driven Insights: FreightAmigo's use of artificial intelligence and big data analytics can provide valuable insights into warehouse performance and labor efficiency. These insights can help businesses make informed decisions about where and how to deploy exoskeleton technology for maximum impact.
3. Flexible Shipping Solutions: Our platform offers comparison and booking services for various shipping methods, including international courier, airfreight, sea freight, rail freight, and trucking solutions. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt their shipping strategies to complement their warehouse innovations, ensuring that improved efficiency is carried through the entire supply chain.
4. End-to-End Visibility: With FreightAmigo's comprehensive tracking capabilities, businesses can monitor shipment status in real-time. This visibility can help warehouse managers better plan and allocate resources, including exoskeleton-equipped workers, to handle incoming and outgoing shipments more effectively.
5. Automation of Documentation: Our platform's ability to automate shipment documents can significantly reduce administrative burdens. This automation allows warehouse staff, including those using exoskeletons, to focus more on value-added tasks and less on paperwork.
6. Expert Support: FreightAmigo's 24/7 logistics expert support can provide guidance on integrating new technologies like exoskeletons into existing warehouse operations, ensuring a smooth transition and maximum benefit realization.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Warehouse Operations

As the logistics industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, innovative solutions like exoskeletons present exciting opportunities to enhance warehouse operations, improve worker well-being, and address persistent labor shortages. The successful implementation by companies like DB SCHENKER demonstrates the tangible benefits of this technology, from reduced physical strain on employees to increased productivity and improved handling times.

While exoskeletons may not solve all the challenges faced by the industry, they represent a significant step forward in creating more sustainable, efficient, and worker-friendly warehouse environments. As this technology continues to develop and become more widespread, it's likely that exoskeletons will become an integral part of the modern warehouse workplace.

For businesses looking to stay competitive in this rapidly changing landscape, considering the integration of exoskeleton technology alongside Digital Logistics Solutions like FreightAmigo can provide a powerful combination for future success. By prioritizing worker well-being, embracing innovation, and leveraging Digital Platforms, companies can create resilient, efficient, and attractive workplaces that are well-equipped to meet the demands of tomorrow's logistics industry.

As we move forward, it's clear that the future of warehouse operations will be shaped by a blend of human skill, technological innovation, and Digital Logistics Solutions. By staying informed about these developments and being open to new approaches, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of this exciting evolution in the logistics industry.