Gardening and Landscaping next level: Ready to grow?

Gardening and Landscaping next level: Ready to grow?

Horb am Neckar - 16 December 2024 - The gardening and landscaping sector is facing major challenges: physically demanding work, high levels of downtime and an increasing shortage of skilled workers. If the industry fails to get these problems under control, further operational difficulties are imminent: A lack of employees will lead to delayed or unrealisable orders, which will inhibit operational growth and, in the worst case, lead to a loss of image.

Aiming for sustainable growth

The gardening and landscaping industry demands top performance from its employees on a daily basis: heavy lifting, carrying, digging or laying paving stones in often challenging conditions. But while the focus in offices is on comfort and efficiency, one fundamental problem remains unresolved in the field: the immense physical strain.  So why not think future-orientated here too and do something good for your employees at the same time - true to the motto: Gardening and Landscaping next level?

A solution is offered by hTRIUS from Horb am Neckar. The company specializes in the development and construction of exoskeletons. Its current flagship product: the BionicBack Exoskeleton. This groundbreaking technology addresses this issue directly, ensuring that even physically demanding workplaces in the gardening and landscaping sector can be designed ergonomically and sustainably.

Scientifically proven relief for tough applications

The BionicBack was specifically developed to reduce physical strain during lifting tasks – a central aspect in the gardening and landscaping sector. Various studies show impressive results:

• Muscle relief: Reduction of muscle strain by up to 30% during dynamic lifting movements

• Fatigue reduction: Muscle fatigue is significantly counteracted – fatigue of the back muscles is reduced by up to 86%, that of the back of the leg by up to 50%.

• Posture optimization: Improvement of posture by up to 37%, ending the working day with a more upright and ergonomic posture. In addition, employees extend the holding period by 50% on average. 

The studies were carried out at ETH Zurich and the University of Innsbruck, as well as in a test at the company Zehnder in Lahr. The key figures are based on the independent studies and prove the effectiveness of the BionicBack in realistic work scenarios.

Wide range of applications in landscaping and landscaping

The BionicBack shows its strengths in a variety of activities in landscaping:

• Lifting and carrying: Assistance with heavy loads such as earth, stones and building materials.

• Tillage: Relief from strenuous work such as ploughing, digging and tilling.

• Planting work: Relief for work that requires long bending over, such as planting plants or trees.

• Pavement laying: Support in the laying of paving stones and slabs.

With its versatility, the BionicBack becomes an indispensable tool for companies that want to increase efficiency and protect their employees.

Furthermore, there are many testimonials from customers and users whose everyday work is significantly improved by the BionicBack exoskeleton. The exoskeleton manufacturer successfully shows this on its YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@hTRIUS

Full freedom of movement for maximum efficiency

In contrast to many other aids, users of the BionicBack appreciate the unrestricted freedom of movement. The exoskeleton does not obstruct but provides targeted support where it is needed. This is perceived as a clear advantage, especially in landscaping, where flexibility and dynamism are essential. The manufacturer presents two setting options – dynamic and static. The dynamic setting is always used when a load is lifted repeatedly. Static, on the other hand, is used when it is necessary to remain in an unfavourable position for a long time – for example, when laying paving stones, slabs or other floor coverings. Switching between dynamic and static modes is intuitive and can be adjusted on the fly. When support is no longer needed, the features can be disabled to continue working seamlessly.

A win for companies

Many companies emphasize in their mission statements that employees enjoy the highest priority – and for good reason. But what happens if employees are actually absent? First of all, this leads to considerable stress, as rescheduling has to be made at short notice, which jeopardizes planning security. In addition, other team members have to take on the additional workload, which in turn increases the risk of further work absences. This can quickly lead to delays or projects that cannot be implemented at all.

It becomes particularly critical when an employee is absent for more than six weeks, as is often the case with back problems. Then the sick pay takes effect and the person concerned has to make do with only about 70% of the last salary subject to contributions – a considerable financial cut.

The use of the BionicBack exoskeleton creates a real win-win situation: It protects the health of employees, reduces downtime and at the same time increases the efficiency and competitiveness of companies. These are ideal conditions for sustainably increasing employee satisfaction and thus promoting the company's growth potential in the long term.

Recommended by experts

The BionicBack is the first exoskeleton in the world to be awarded the AGR seal (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.). This seal of approval confirms the back-friendly properties of the product and underlines its contribution to sustainable health promotion.

Occupational health and safety: a shared responsibility

Considering and appreciating employees as valuable should not just be an empty phrase in the company's values. Especially in sectors such as landscaping, which are severely affected by the shortage of skilled workers, this attitude must be actively lived. While safety shoes, safety goggles, high-visibility vests and helmets have long been established standards in occupational safety, there is currently still a lack of consistent back protection. The use of an exoskeleton such as the BionicBack can not only reduce physical strain but also increase the motivation and performance of employees. The best time to act is now in order to be successful as an innovative and future-proof gardener and landscaper. If you want to learn more about the areas of application, you can find out more on the manufacturer's website: https://t1p.de/hTRIUS-GaLaBau

Experience relief for yourself – IPM World's Leading Trade Fair for Horticulture

From 28 to 31 January 2025, hTRIUS will be represented at IPM ESSEN – the world's leading trade fair for horticulture. In hall 4, booth 4E27, the BionicBack exoskeleton will be presented. Live demonstrations will show how the exoskeleton significantly reduces the physical strain during landscaping activities and at the same time enables full freedom of movement. Visitors will gain insights into how this innovative technology can sustainably improve efficiency and ergonomics in gardening and landscaping. It's worth stopping by to take the business to the next level.