New Zealand’s meat processing sector is trialling new wearable technology which has been designed in order to decrease the risk of injury whilst increasing productivity. The Suit-X Exoskeleton is a spring-loaded, non-mechanical device worn by workers to provide strength and support for mechanical and repetitive tasks and has been demonstrated at a series of workshops across the country in recent weeks. One study using surface sensors showed that the suit reduced muscle activity needed for scaffold building by 45 percent. Tim Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Meat Industry Association, reports that technology investment is crucial in improving health and safety performance in the sector. Mr Dawson reports that the tainted wool will harm the industry’s reputation if it is not sorted out quickly, and that the cost of this will ultimately fall back on the growers.

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