Hilti’s Exoskeleton Tech Brings Wearable Devices to the Trades

Hilti’s EXO-S Shoulder Exoskeleton Brings Wearable Support to Overhead Work

In the world of construction, repetitive overhead tasks are common and they take a toll on crews. Installing drywall, running conduit, hanging sprinklers, sanding ceilings and setting metal framing all require workers to hold their arms above shoulder level for long periods. To address fatigue and strain in these scenarios, Hilti’s EXO-S Shoulder Exoskeleton is gaining attention on jobsites as a wearable support solution that helps reduce shoulder and neck load while crews work above shoulder height. Hilti

Hilti designed the EXO-S as a passive wearable device that does not rely on batteries or motors. Instead, its mechanical support system transfers some of the weight and strain from the arms and shoulders down through the frame of the exoskeleton and to the torso. This helps workers sustain overhead tasks longer with less fatigue, which can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal stress injuries. Exoskeleton Report

The EXO-S is lightweight, weighing around 2.4 kg, making it one of the lighter shoulder exoskeletons currently on the market. The unit is adjustable to fit a range of body types and is engineered to be practical on a construction site, with easy-to-adjust straps and a design that allows freedom of movement so workers can carry tools and position their arms naturally.

In real world use, this translates into crew members being able to sustain tasks like continuous drywall installation or overhead MEP work with less physical strain on their bodies. Because it does not add bulk that interferes with normal movement, foremen and safety managers have noted that the device can smoothly integrate into daily tasks without becoming a hindrance. Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews

For crews working on jobs with heavy overhead demands, the EXO-S exoskeleton offers a way to manage physical workload in a practical, site-ready package. It supports workforce wellbeing by helping reduce fatigue and potentially lowering lost time due to shoulder or neck strain, which can be especially important on fast-paced schedules. Safety Magazine

As exoskeleton technology moves from concept to field use, tools like the EXO-S show how innovation can directly support tradespeople in the field. Wearables that relieve physical stress on the body won’t replace skilled labor, but they can help crews work longer, safer and with less wear on their bodies during repetitive overhead work.