Dutch Greenhouse Workers Trial Exoskeletons to Reduce Strain and Prevent Injuries

Westland, The Netherlands – In the heart of the country’s greenhouse hub, workers are experimenting with wearable exoskeletons, mechanical devices designed to support the body during repetitive physical tasks. The pilot project, launched by Dutch company Skelex in partnership with employment agency ProKonak, aims to reduce fatigue, minimize workplace injuries, and make physically demanding jobs more sustainable.

A New Approach to an Old Problem

Agricultural work, particularly in greenhouses, is labor-intensive and often physically taxing. Tasks such as tying plants, pruning, lifting crates, and working in squatting or overhead positions put repeated stress on the arms, shoulders, and lower back. Over time, this can lead to injuries, absenteeism, and in some cases, long-term health issues.

To address these challenges, Skelex has introduced two models of exoskeletons tailored to the greenhouse sector. One supports workers engaged in overhead tasks like fastening tomato plants to vertical strings, while the other assists those working closer to the ground, reducing strain during clipping, planting, or handling pots.

Unlike robotic systems, these exoskeletons do not rely on batteries or external power sources. Instead, they use spring mechanisms that store and release energy, effectively giving workers a boost in movements that would otherwise require sustained muscular effort.

From Aerospace Labs to Greenhouses

The origins of the technology trace back to academic research at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Originally conceived to prevent back injuries during aircraft maintenance, the concept has since been adapted to various industries.

“Over ten years, the original prototype evolved into a lightweight and ergonomic product, already being used by many people around the world in all kinds of industries,” says Bart Bakkum, managing director at Skelex. “The greenhouse sector presents its own set of challenges, but the principle is the same: prevent fatigue, protect workers, and extend their ability to do physical work safely.”

Health and Sustainability on the Job

The trial is not only about preventing injuries but also about improving overall job satisfaction. ProKonak, which supplies workers to the agricultural sector, believes that wearable technology could help improve retention in a sector that often struggles with labor shortages.

“We want our people to feel good, stay healthy, and enjoy their work,” says Turgut Colakoglu, account manager at ProKonak. “This isn’t just about preventing injuries – it’s about making physical work more sustainable in the long run, for everyone involved.”

If successful, ProKonak plans to expand the use of exoskeletons beyond greenhouse tasks to packaging facilities, logistics hubs, and other parts of the horticultural production chain.

Broader Industry Implications

The pilot comes at a time when many industries are rethinking the role of technology in manual labor. From warehouses to construction sites, wearable exoskeletons are gaining traction as a solution to reduce musculoskeletal strain, cut absenteeism, and improve productivity.

Experts say that while automation and robotics continue to transform industrial work, not every task can, or should, be automated. In many cases, human flexibility and decision-making remain essential, especially in environments like greenhouses where delicate handling of plants is required.

“Exoskeletons occupy a middle ground between full automation and traditional manual labor,” explains occupational health researcher Anneke van den Berg, who is not involved in the trial. “They enhance human capacity without replacing it, and that’s why interest in this technology is growing.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the promise, the widespread adoption of exoskeletons still faces hurdles. Cost, training, and worker acceptance are key factors. Some workers may initially resist wearing supportive gear, fearing it could slow them down or limit mobility. Long-term studies are also needed to confirm that exoskeletons deliver measurable health benefits beyond short-term relief.

Nevertheless, the trial in Westland represents a step forward in exploring how innovation can meet the realities of modern agricultural labor.

As the pilot continues, both Skelex and ProKonak say they will closely monitor worker feedback, physical performance, and potential reductions in strain-related complaints. If the results are positive, Dutch greenhouses could soon become a showcase for how wearable technology can reshape the future of manual work—without losing the human touch.