Chairless chair for assembly line workers coming soon

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Spending eight hours everyday, doing the same work can prove to be very tiring. This is the story of every car assembly line worker, where they tend to do the same kind of job, with same speed and body posture that might pose a serious health problem.

Over the last few years, auto manufacturers have made their assembly line more efficient, by reducing the number of moves an assembly line worker has to make from picking up a component to assembling it on the car. While some manufacturers have cracked the code, some have innovated to a completely new level. Audi has developed a chairless chair, which is made up of carbon fibre that is being tested at its Nekarsulm facility in Germany. For now, only three prototypes are being used but more will be tested over the next few months. These chairless chairs ease many assembly activities and at the same time, it improves their posture and reduces the strain on their legs. 

The chairless chair, which Audi has developed together with a Swiss startup company, is an exoskeleton that is worn on the back of the legs. It is fastened with belts to the hips, knees and ankles. Two leather covered surfaces support the buttocks and thighs while two struts made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) adapt to the contours of the leg. They are fitted behind the knee and can be hydraulically adjusted to the wearer's body size and the desired sitting position. 

We really appreciate Audi’s effort to innovate for their assembly line workers. It is very important to think of their well-being and health and with the chairless chair their work life will surely get better.