Audi’s Production division is improving ergonomics as well as health and safety in its factories. Employees at the plants in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, Brussels and Győr are currently testing new medical gloves. These so called production orthoses reduce pressure stress with many assembly tasks by more than 50 percent. It is planned to put the special glove into series application this year.
The employees in car‑door assembly at Audi install approximately 300 trim strips per shift. This subjects the wrist and the ball of the hand in particular to increased stress. In order to reduce this stress, Audi has developed a joint‑friendly orthosis together with Spörer AG, an Ingolstadt company that specializes in orthopedic technology. When this special glove is used, the hand is subjected to less strain while retaining its tactile sense and maximum mobility.
n developing the glove, Audi cooperated closely with its production workers. The interdisciplinary development team consisting of plant doctors and occupational safety specialists as well as planning and production staff regularly made use of employee feedback to adjust the glove perfectly to the requirements. The result is a breathable glove made of Teflon. In the area where pressure is exerted, it has a shock-absorbent lining that reduces the forces acting on the hand. A highly elastic fastener stabilizes the wrist.
