The agricultural sector is one of DroneUA’s key areas of activity, where technology has long since ceased to be a tool of the future and has become part of day-to-day operations. Following the transformation of the industry through the use of agricultural drones, the company has entered the next stage of development: the integration of exoskeleton technology that directly enhances human performance in the production process.
Physical labour in greenhouse farming is the daily norm. In particular, workers in the packing area spend their 10-hour shifts constantly carrying heavy boxes and preparing produce for sale. This places continuous strain on the back, legs, and joints, which over time increases the risk of workplace injuries and the development of chronic conditions.
Hypershell exoskeletons help optimise these processes while preserving workers’ physical capacity. Thanks to real-time AI adaptation, the system analyses gait and assists movement during walking or lifting. This reduces fatigue, increases stamina, and ensures greater stability of movement even in challenging conditions, particularly the high temperatures and humidity typical of greenhouses.
The use of exoskeletons in such scenarios has a direct operational impact:
- increased productivity: a consistent work rate throughout the shift and the ability to process larger volumes of goods;
- reduced error rates: improved movement control and lower risks associated with incorrect lifting;
- process optimisation: reduced downtime and increased operational throughput.
For businesses, this also means lower costs associated with workplace injuries and the creation of a more stable working environment in which physical strain does not limit productivity.
During testing of the Hypershell exoskeletons by staff at the Uman Greenhouse Complex, a noticeable reduction in strain and fatigue was recorded:
“The pressure on the legs and back is significantly reduced, and the stride becomes more springy. It’s easier to move between rows without any extra strain. The exoskeleton works more powerfully than I expected,” — shared one of the workers.
This case study illustrates a shift in the approach to organising physical labour in the agricultural sector — from adapting people to working conditions to adapting the working environment to people’s capabilities.
DroneUA is integrating exoskeleton technology as part of a broader transformation of the agricultural industry, where robotic solutions do not operate in isolation but form a unified technological ecosystem — ranging from unmanned systems to tools that augment human capabilities in the field and in production.
Watch the full video case study here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXG9pG5GrgU
