Better than your best, Physical Augmentation
Physically augmenting workers with technology could have major impacts in the construction industry. Have you ever wished you had another hand to hold something?
What is “physical augmenting”?
An example of physical augmentation would be Robotic Exoskeletons. This could mean a robotic arm encapsulating or supporting a physical limb to increase ability. This could mean something that looks like Iron Man’s suit. Additional body parts are another example. A robotic arm to act as another hand, a pair of pants with seat support, the opportunities seem endless.
Why does the infrastructure and construction industry need this?
As the workforce decreases and the labor shortage persists, opening the door to individuals who may not have been able to do the work before. Integrating this technology can give abilities beyond those of humans, improving efficiency and accuracy.
We can improve efficiency and accuracy while addressing major social concerns. Unfortunately, the construction industry is ranked highly in opioid addiction and suicide. Injuries and Opioid Dependence are higher in construction than any other industry. Studies show a root of this being injuries or pain from physical labor. Providing relief and improving ability with physical augmentation could not only enhance efficiency and quality, but prevent additional injury from occurring or continuing to plague individuals from pushing themselves past their limit.
Promoting inclusivity, augmentation is empowering those with disabilities to work in an industry that has many physical requirements. With poor diversity numbers sometimes due to strength or ability concerns when it comes to those with disabilities and women physical augmentation could help close this gap (or belief in this gap).
What is stopping implementation?
We are well aware of the hesitation within the industry when it comes to new technology. This technology in particular raises concerns for physical control. There are those who feel they would be more comfortable around this technology if operation required licenses. Beyond this, there are rising concerns for layoffs (although there is a labor shortage) and loss of strength. This technology could be used as a crutch, potentially losing muscle or not building the muscles possible.
Would you step in or strap up?
Sources: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/03/17/ai-and-human-enhancement-americans-openness-is-tempered-by-a-range-of-concerns/ (1) https://www.npdevices.com/ (2) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-augmentation-construction-rise-exoskeletons-chris-bonnington/ (3) https://www.hilti.bh/content/dam/documents/pdf/meta_all/tlp/en/TLP_MVP_HumanAugmentation_271021-META-BH.pdf (4) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/04/robotic-suit-first-step-slippery-slope-us-becoming-cyborgs/ REX (5) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/04/robotic-suit-first-step-slippery-slope-us-becoming-cyborgs/ (6)