Most engineers I know use computers to the point of nearly destroying their wrists. Carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injuries have turned a lot of them into ambidextrous mouse users. But then it is only a matter of time before the other wrist wears down.
Equipois is a company set out to solve this issue. Their goal, "eliminating the costly and widespread injuries caused by exertion, repetition and strain." They have just introduced the x-Ar exoskeleton arm at the Applied Ergonomics Conference in Florida. The arm, when attached to a ridged object such as a desk or chair, takes the weight off the wearer's arm and wrist. With no strain on the person wearing the x-Ar a dramatic reduction in strain related injuries follow.
The x-Ar is more like a steadicam rig, with no electrical components. I can not see gamers, writers, or programmers using this setup to stave off RSI, the use in other repetitive environments is a must. One major electronics manufacturer I worked for in the past had a assembly plant connected to the engineering offices. I would many of the workers wearing wrist braces, casts, from injuries of the environment. The x-Ar could very well have saved many wrists.
Eavesdropper
