Strukton expands Belgian rail activities
News
06 January 2026
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Exoskeleton and fall protection
Overhead line technicians frequently work above shoulder height, which places significant strain on the back, upper arms and shoulders. When you’re young, you may not notice it much, but as you get older the effects of all those awkward working positions become increasingly apparent. We want our colleagues to stay healthy and fit throughout their careers and beyond. Awareness and guidance are important, but innovations that improve working conditions are equally essential. The development of an integrated exoskeleton is one such innovation.
Reducing physical strain
An exoskeleton can ease physically demanding work that involves intensive use of the arms, especially when tasks are performed at chest height or above. The technician’s arms rest in special support “cups”, and as soon as an object is lifted above shoulder height, the exoskeleton’s springs are activated to provide assistance.
Field testing
We therefore began conducting field tests using an exoskeleton for overhead line work. Various trials quickly demonstrated that the exoskeleton is effective. Technicians experience a sense of weightlessness in their arms, making lifting or tightening components significantly less strenuous.
However, the trials also showed that the downward movement in the current exoskeleton produces too much resistance, which in certain situations requires extra effort. In addition, it proved very difficult to wear the exoskeleton together with fall protection equipment — which is absolutely essential when working at height. At the same time, the total weight of both pieces of personal protective equipment must not become so heavy that it creates new problems for the technician.
Integrated design
Together with RoboHouse in Delft, Strukton is developing an integrated exoskeleton with a built‑in fall‑arrest harness, which will in turn be integrated into work clothing. The outlines of this integrated design are now complete. We expect to be able to test the first prototype in the field by the end of 2023.
More innovations for lighter, safer work
The development of the exoskeleton is just one of many Strukton innovations aimed at improving working conditions. In recent years, Strukton Catenary Europe has introduced several advances, including new screw tools to prevent grinding sparks and chromium‑6 exposure, lighter fall‑arrest harnesses, Neotecs (innovative rail-based aerial work platforms), lifting beams for holding contact wires in place, and a special scissor‑lift platform on a wagon (HBW Light) that enables safer and more ergonomic work at height.
