Human Augmentation in the Construction Industry
Types of human augmentation
Human augmentation technology can be placed into 3 categories based on its function: replicating, supplementing or exceeding human ability.
The first aims to replicate and/or restore abilities achievable by a typical person. This is common in the medical field where pacemakers, prosthetics and wearable devices have been advancing for decades.
Supplementing human ability refers to devices that artificially aid one’s strength, intelligence, sight or any other ability beyond normal limits. In construction, these types of wearable devices are being utilised to help reduce strain and fatigue for users – enabling contractors to tackle health and safety issues.
Human augmentations that help exceed human ability are those which allow us to things we wouldn't normally be able to do - like fly, breathe underwater, superhuman sensory enhancement, etc. An example of this is Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) - a field that has grown rapidly the past few decades. While largely conceptual, BCIs are interfaces that allow an individual to interact with a computer or machine using only their mind.
Exoskeletons: Addressing Productivity & Increased Demand
Musculoskeletal injuries caused by overhead work have a profound effect on the construction industry’s businesses and employees. Not only are companies reducing their productivity, but an employee’s wellbeing is at risk should they suffer any kind of injury.
Exoskeletons are designed to enhance productivity by reducing stress on the body, causing less pain and fatigue due to a reduced load on muscles and joints. This reduced stress and increased comfort enables users to improve their health and reduce the number of sick days they take – providing they still take the required rest breaks for physical and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that exoskeletons are proving very effective.
By retaining skilled workers for longer due to fewer employee sick days, construction companies can utilise exoskeletons to improve operations twofold - by improving employee wellbeing and increasing jobsite productivity.
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