Italian industrial equipment manufacturer Comau has announced that its exoskeleton, MATE-XB, has been officially certified as “Category II Personal Protective Equipment” (PPE). This certification confirms that the device meets European standards for worker protection and ergonomic support.
Prior to receiving the certification, MATE-XB was primarily regarded as an ergonomic assistive device. With the confirmed Category-II status, it can now be integrated into formal occupational safety systems and risk assessment procedures, facilitating its implementation within regulatory frameworks.
Musculoskeletal disorders continue to be one of the leading causes of employee absenteeism, particularly in environments involving repetitive motions, manual handling, or prolonged physical exertion. The MATE-XB exoskeleton was developed to reduce lower back strain, support natural body movement, and limit biomechanical stress when performing challenging tasks.
The certification holds practical significance for employers: the Category-II status allows access to subsidies and tax advantages in some EU countries, while also streamlining internal documentation and external audits related to occupational health and safety.
The exoskeleton’s features make it a convenient tool: it is lightweight, requires minimal staff training, and can be integrated into existing workflows without significant changes to labor organization.
Obtaining the Category-II certification means that the MATE-XB not only alleviates physical work but also meets stringent European labor protection legislation. This opens up new opportunities for businesses to reduce injury rates, improve working conditions, and optimize prevention-related expenses.
Further developments are anticipated as the company plans to expand the use of exoskeletons in other sectors where protection from musculoskeletal strain is crucial.
