Comau has secured EU-wide certification for its MATE-XB industrial exoskeleton, in a move the Italian robotics group says will help companies cut workplace injuries and improve productivity.
The device has been granted Category II Personal Protective Equipment status under EU Regulation 2016/425, meaning it is officially recognised as protective equipment and can be incorporated into corporate safety systems across the bloc.
The approval, announced on 14th November in Torino, marks a step forward for the use of wearable robotics in factories and warehouses, where musculoskeletal disorders remain a leading cause of absenteeism. Such injuries, often the result of repetitive motion or manual handling, are a major contributor to hidden operational costs for both large manufacturers and smaller enterprises.
Comau said certification would help companies justify investment in ergonomics technology, potentially unlocking incentives and tax benefits. It also argued that reduced fatigue and fewer strain-related absences could lead directly to improved efficiency, operational continuity, and a clearer demonstration of corporate responsibility.
For Health and Safety Executives, the classification simplifies documentation and audit procedures, while providing a clearer route for integrating wearable support systems into risk assessments.
The MATE-XB is designed to reduce biomechanical stress on the lumbar area and to support natural movement without requiring extensive training. Comau said the device’s official status could also improve acceptance among workers, who may be more inclined to use equipment recognised as protective rather than purely assistive.
The group, headquartered in Turin and part of the Stellantis industrial ecosystem, has been developing wearable support systems as manufacturers face growing regulatory and financial pressure to mitigate injury risks. It argues that certified ergonomics are becoming a strategic asset, not merely a compliance exercise, as companies look to reduce long-term costs linked to injuries and staff turnover.
