Clear proof that cutting-edge innovation is here to assist human capability and not put people out of business is taking wing at Delta Airlines through an interesting exercise involving brute robotic strength.
Partnering with Sarcos Robotics, developer of micro-electromechanical systems and related technologies, Delta is in the launch phase of kitting out staff with wearable robotic systems to augment human performance and improve safety.
Commenting on the futuristic exoskeletal limbs that are literally empowering Delta staff, Gareth Joyce, senior vice president of airport customer service and president at Delta’s cargo division, said: “This kind of technology can potentially shape the way we work in the future in airline industry.”
The project, which is currently gearing up for commercial deployment, features robotic systems that quadruple any human force exerted to move or lift and item.
Once the systems reach full operation capacity, it is expected that Sarcos will be able to robotically amplify human strength and endurance 20 times.
Said Ben Wolff, CEO of Sarcos: “Imagine if we can turn our team members into super humans, having super-human strength and endurance with the ability to safely lift a lot of weight.”
A below-wing operator at Delta said: “It’s really simple when the robot is doing all the work, lessening the load on your arm. A lot of the stuff that you think you can do, the robot is doing for you.”
