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Implementation of Exoskeletons in the Primary Sector: A Landmark Event for Cooperatives in the Basque Country

  • Writer: Gogoa Mobility Robots
    Gogoa Mobility Robots
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read
Implementation of Exoskeletons in the Primary Sector: A Landmark Event for Cooperatives in the Basque Country

The primary sector is undergoing a subtle yet profound transformation as it adopts technologies designed to safeguard workers’ health and enhance the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations. Among these innovations, the exoskeletons developed by GOGOA BIOENGINEERING are emerging as an exceptionally effective solution to reduce physical strain in particularly demanding tasks. For many cooperatives, the question is no longer whether such technology will become commonplace, but rather how to implement it intelligently, rigorously, and with measurable results.


It is within this context that the following event is being held:

“Implementation of Exoskeletons in the Primary Sector”, organised as part of the Exokoop Project, funded by Osalan and the Department of Economy, Labour and Employment of the Basque Government.


Key Details of the Event

Date: Thursday, 11 December

Time: 11:30 – 13:00

Venue: Cooperativa San Isidro de Mungia (GURELUR)

Free registration (limited capacity):


Why Exoskeletons Matter in the Primary Sector

Work in greenhouses and agricultural environments places a substantial physical burden on professionals:

  • Prolonged and awkward postures involving the back, shoulders, and neck.

  • Tasks requiring elevated arms, trunk flexion, or repetitive bending.

  • Repetitive movements and manual handling of loads.


These factors significantly increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, lead to accumulated fatigue, and ultimately affect both worker well-being and organisational productivity.

The exoskeletons engineered by GOGOA BIOENGINEERING have proved to be a highly effective means of reducing physical load in such activities—provided they are incorporated within a comprehensive prevention strategy.


This session aims to provide clear answers to essential questions raised by cooperatives:

  • In which specific tasks can an exoskeleton deliver meaningful benefit?

  • What tangible improvements can be expected?

  • How can a successful implementation be achieved without organisational friction?


The Exokoop Project: Evidence, Measurement and Strategic Deployment

The Exokoop Project promotes the introduction of GOGOA’s exoskeletons into real agricultural settings by:

  • Conducting detailed ergonomic analyses of actual tasks.

  • Assessing exoskeleton performance during authentic working conditions.

  • Establishing an optimal and transferable methodology for implementation in cooperatives.


The initiative is supported by Osalan and the Department of Economy, Labour and Employment of the Basque Government, ensuring a rigorous, data-driven framework.


Content of the Session


1. Musculoskeletal Risks in the Primary Sector

A precise review of the agricultural tasks associated with the highest physical strain—such as planting, pruning, harvesting, classification, carrying crates, and maintenance.The aim is to connect day-to-day experience with technical prevention criteria.


2. GOGOA Exoskeletons: Application, Benefits and Boundaries

The exoskeletons developed by GOGOA BIOENGINEERING will be presented in depth, covering:

  • The specific type of assistance they offer (back, shoulders, arms).

  • The tasks for which they are most effective.

  • Practical matters such as fit, comfort, sizing, and compatibility with workwear and PPE.

  • Operational limitations and recommended best practices.

This provides cooperatives with a clear technical foundation to identify when and how these solutions should be used.


3. Monitorex Systems: Measuring Improvement through Data

The Monitorex systems—also developed by GOGOA BIOENGINEERING—enable:

  • Measurement of posture, effort and physical load before and after exoskeleton usage.

  • Objective identification of load reduction.

  • Evidence-based pilot testing rather than reliance on subjective feedback.

This data is essential for justifying investments and ensuring that exoskeleton integration leads to demonstrable results.


4. Implementation Strategies for Cooperatives

The session will outline a structured methodology for the successful deployment of exoskeletons:

  • Selection of pilot tasks.

  • Identification of suitable user profiles.

  • Training, adjustment and continuous follow-up.

  • Managing organisational change effectively.

The focus is entirely practical, aimed at enabling each cooperative to replicate a safe, efficient and scalable implementation model.


5. Practical Demonstration with Volunteers

Participants will observe real demonstrations, including:

  • Fitting and adjustment of GOGOA exoskeletons.

  • Movement freedom and comfort in typical agricultural tasks.

  • Ergonomic differences when working with and without exoskeleton support.


Speakers

  • Juan Izeta, Head of Business Development and Special Projects at GOGOA BIOENGINEERING.

  • Patricia Arina, Head of Quality at Cooperativa Barrenetxe.


Organisers

Cooperativa San Isidro de Mungia (GURELUR)

Organised by: Euskadiko Koperatiben Konfederazioa – Confederation of Cooperatives of the Basque Country

Address: Puerto de Urkiola 1, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz

CIF: G01414028

With the collaboration of GOGOA BIOENGINEERING and the support of Osalan and the Basque Government’s Department of Economy, Labour and Employment.


Who Should Attend?

  • Members of agricultural cooperatives.

  • Occupational health and safety professionals.

  • Managers of production, quality and human resources.

  • Board members and decision-makers interested in innovation and ergonomics.


No prior technical knowledge is required. The session is practical, precise and entirely oriented towards informed decision-making.


Registration

Participation is free of charge. Limited seating available.

 
 
 

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