Colas has introduced a robot road spreader to make laying tarmac less back breaking.
The Exopush is an exoskeleton designed to give power assistance to operatives working on levelling with a rake.
It is now in use on UK road sites and will be rolled out across all Colas jobs this year.
The user handles an electric actuator which helps push or pull the tool, while the weight is taken up by a harness and link to the ground via a force leg attached to the shoe with a footplate.
Carl Fergusson, CEO Colas UK said: “We are constantly mindful of our prime objective for the innovation of Exopush – to facilitate the work of our skilled operatives and revolutionise their well-being.
“Our significant investment and field trials reflect the strength of collaboration with our supply chain on innovation in all areas of safety and delivery.”
Originally published on: https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/03/16/exoskeleton-to-ease-the-pain-of-road-spreading/