Wilmott Dixon is to become the first company to trial the high tech exoskeleton vest, Eksovest.

Teaming up with robotics firm, Eksobionics, the company will trial the vest on the new Cardiff West Community High School development.

Eksovest is an upper body exoskeleton vest that supports the arms during heavy lifting.

The Cardiff site was chosen to trial the newly developed technology due to the range of technical activities required to complete the build.

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Neal Stephens, managing director for Willmott Dixon Wales and South West, said: "Innovation is in our DNA and this could revolutionise the ability of our people on site to lift heavier objects. The wellbeing of our people and supply chain is always our number one priority and the more we can use technology to support this, the better.

"The Eksovest technology should lead to teams on site feeling less exerted, meaning improved wellbeing and productivity. This investment also demonstrates the development of our new Eureka fund in supporting technology and innovation that will drive change in our construction industry into the 21st century."

The company will then demonstrate Eksovest at other sites across the country before introducing as a standard depending on how the trials perform.

(CM/MH)