JSC Vorkutaugol, one of the largest coal mining companies in Russia, has become one of the production sites of PJSC Severstal, which has tested a prototype exoskeleton at its structural divisions.
The exoskeleton was developed by Norilsk Nickel (a subdivision of the Digital Laboratory) together with a technology partner, Southwestern State University (Kursk).
An exoskeleton is made up of metal assemblies linked into a single structure. It is worn over overalls and is attached to the human body with special belts. With the help of pneumatic cylinders, the exoskeleton transfers physical activity from the back of a person to its own metal frame. The carrying capacity of the device is 60 kilograms.
“The developers asked for our help in testing the device to understand its capabilities. Before testing, first of all, we thought about tunnellers in the mine, who manually transfer weights: arched support elements, wooden beams. But due to the design of the exoskeleton, we decided to test it on the surface, "said Viktor Yurasov, manager of the Severstal Business System Development Center.
First, the employees of Vorkutaugol checked the ergonomics of the device: they went up and down stairs, stepped over obstacles and got up from a prone position. The testers were able to successfully complete all these actions.
Then the tests were passed at the material warehouse and in the mechanical shop of the Vorkutinskaya mine, in the flotation section of the Pechorskaya central concentration plant and in the shops of the Vorkuta mechanical plant.
Based on the results of the tests, it was possible to establish that the exoskeleton copes with lifting, holding and transferring weights. However, this only applies to small-sized loads that can be carried in front of you. To perform other technological operations, you will need to make changes to the design of the device. Based on the results of testing the exoskeleton, Vorkutaugol employees drew up a protocol with their comments and wishes. This data will allow the manufacturer to upgrade the device to expand its scope.
