Willmott Dixon, the leading independent and construction property services company has partnered with robotics firm Ekso Bionics to trial a high-tech vest which will aid the completion of a new school development in Cardiff
The company is the first in the UK’s construction industry to trial the ‘EksoVest’ which has been designed to improve the safety and wellbeing of supply chain partners taking part in the project.
The high-tech exoskeleton vest has been created to support a worker’s arms during heavy lifting.
The project has been funded by Eureka, Willmott Dixon’s central research and development fund.
The high-tech vest costs approximately £5,650 will be used for the first time on the Cardiff West Community High School site.
Willmott Dixon will then demonstrate ‘EksoVest’ at multiple other sites across the UK.
The ‘EksoVest’ has been chosen to trial at the high school due to the range of technical activities required to complete the build.
Neal Stephens, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon Wales and South West, says: “We’re thrilled to be the first construction company in the UK to trial the ‘EksoVest’.
“The wellbeing of our people and supply chain is always our number one priority. The EksoVest technology should lead operatives to feel less exerted, meaning improved wellbeing and productivity.
“This investment not only demonstrates to our supply chain the importance we place on health and safety, but we hope the development of the Eureka fund also shows Willmott Dixon’s enthusiasm for technology and innovation within the construction industry.”