HFESA PD – Exoskeleton devices and their future in manual industrial tasks

Presented by Chris Fitzgerald, CPE

Get along to this compelling presentation by eminent Certified Professional Ergonomist, Chris Fitzgerald on exoskeletons and how he sees their future use in manual industrial tasks.

Chris presented the initial findings of his work on exoskeletons in the meat industry in his excellent presentation at the National HFESA conference in Victoria in 2022 – Exoskeletons in the Meat Industry.

In this presentation he will demonstrate how the most relevant devices discovered to date work and how he anticipates them to be used for manual industrial tasks. The feature device will be the Ironhand glove that enhances a person’s grip capability.

About Chris                           

Chris is a CPE and has been an independent consultant ergonomist for over 30 years (oh dear!)

His original career was in prosthetics and orthotics and he has gone back to these roots to source and evaluate a range of exoskeletons for the Australian red meat processing industry.

The first stage of this national project concluded in 2023 and the industry is now launching the follow up to this initial work to establish the likely viability of human assistive devices being useful, effective and financially worthwhile in this complex work environment.

There are two options to experience this event!

In-person Attendees:

The best way to experience this event is to come along – in-person –  to The Last Jar at 616 Elizabeth St, Melbourne.  In the heart of Melbourne, The Last Jar is a charming old Irish pub with great food, drinks and atmosphere!  Numbers at the venue are limited, so  get in quick to reserve your spot!

Nibbles will be provided and you are welcome stay after the presentation and enjoy a chat with your colleagues afterwards.  If you are still hungry, you can order a meal but that will be at your own cost.

Virtual Attendees:

For those of you who can’t make it in-person, don’t worry!  You can register online on the zoom link below.  Hopefully you will feel like you are in the room!

Limit:                           Limited numbers for face to face at the venue; No limit for online participants 

Cost – Online:             Free for members. $30 non-members

Cost – In person:       Presentation, admission and nibbles are free.
Ordering a meal and drinks are at your own cost.

Date:                         Thursday 29^th August 2024

Time:                         6:30 – 7:30 pm  (stay till late after the presentation!)

This is a national HFESA event hosted by the Victorian Branch.