Robotic technology provides safety boost

The MULE (or Material Unit Lift Enhancer), developed by Corina Wall Systems, has received the inaugural Sydney Metro Health and Safety Supply Chain Award for its innovation in workplace safety at the Waterloo Station site.

The MULE is the first of its kind in Australia and utilises artificial intelligence to help workers with the lifting and placement of heavy materials, particularly the laying of blocks and/or bricks.

The winning entry identified the risk of workplace injury related to severe repetitive strain and fatigue. The solution significantly alleviates physical strain on workers, ultimately reducing stresses on the body and minimising fatigue.

Block layers at the Waterloo Station site currently move more than 200 times a day and lift an average of three tonnes of product. With The Mule solution, motion is reduced to 100, but more importantly, workers are no longer required to lift any weight.

The Sydney Metro Health and Safety Supply Chain Award was introduced to recognise and promote excellence in health and safety performance improvements, initiatives and achievements being led by our wider supply chain.