Business
Business

Delta considers robotic suits for employees

Credit: Sarcos Robotics
Credit: Sarcos Robotics
By
March 22, 2018

Delta Air Lines has joined an advisory group to explore ways for employees to use robotic suits.

Atlanta-based Delta is a member of an Exoskeleton Technical Advisory Group whose mission is to consider ways to bring exoskeleton systems to the workforce. The group is led by Sarcos Robotics, a robot producer, and other members include BMW, Caterpillar and GE.

"The opportunity to deploy powered, full-body industrial exoskeletons that reduce injury and dramatically enhance human strength, endurance and precision is more proximate than most people realize" said Sarcos Robotics CEO Ben Wolff in a written statement. The idea is to improve efficiency and reduce occupational injuries for "complex or non-repetitive tasks," according to the company.

The Sarcos exoskeletons are “energetically autonomous and highly dexterous, intuitive to operate and easy to put on and take off,” according to Delta’s announcement.

Delta's chief operating officer Gil West said in a written statement that the advisory group presents an opportunity "to think about how fitting our employees with wearable robotics can build on our strong personal safety culture and further protect our people from injury by giving them an additional layer of strength and protection."

About the Author

As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.

Follow Kelly Yamanouchi on facebookFollow Kelly Yamanouchi on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

The cotton jassid, an invasive insect native to India, is spreading in the state, posing a threat to multiple crops. The tiny green bugs can be distinguished by the single dark spots they have on each wing.(Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service)

Credit: Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service

New invasive pest spreading rapidly in Georgia, state officials warn

Georgia agriculture officials are warning farmers that an invasive pest is spreading rapidly in the state, posing a threat to cotton and other major crops.

Former AJC investigative editor recognized nationally for four-decade career

Lois Norder directed investigations exposing fraud and abuse in housing, health care, education and the prison system.

Tariff exemption’s end for small orders means higher costs, postal disruptions

The Trump administration is ending an exemption that has spared imports into the U.S. below the value of $800 from import duties.

The Latest

A long line of 2024 Bronco utility vehicles sit on display at Ford dealership in Denver. Automakers and dealerships can disguise price increases. (David Zalubowski/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

New car prices are going up, but you might not notice (yet)

OPINION

How to find car deals in times of tariffs

DATA SURGE

Data centers need a lot more juice. Georgia consumers fear being squeezed.

Featured

An aerial view captures a large area under construction for a new data center campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Developed by QTS, the data center campus near Fayetteville is one of the largest under construction in Georgia. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Georgia could restart regional energy, water reviews for data center proposals

Georgia is weighing rule changes to once again make certain data centers disclose information about their resource requirements to local planning authorities.

From Ponzi fallout to party power: Frost dynasty clings to Coweta GOP

By the end of the two-hour meeting, Brant Frost V had stepped down as Coweta County GOP chair. But in a show of his continued influence, he took on a new role.

After a decade of delays, $148M renovation to Cross Keys High begins

The $148 million project is expected to be completed in 2028. The school, which serves about 1,600 students, will remain open during construction.