Looking like something out of a sci-fi movie, a new device from Ekso Bionics could revolutionize the job for workers who use and lift heavy tools and machinery, and keep them safe while doing so.

The company is developing an exoskeleton to help workers who use heavy tools like welding equipment or industrial drills. Workers who use heavy equipment can suffer a body breakdown after years on the job. The exoskeleton is essentially a robotic machine that you wear; it does the lifting work for the worker, transferring all the weight to the ground instead of on the person (or their spine). The worker is still able to be pretty mobile while in the exoskeleton and can move to many different positions, all without really feeling the weight of the object.

The construction industry and other industrial industries are especially excited about the device. They hope that it will improve the health of their workers and lead to less lost time and workers’ compensation claims. Ekso Bionics is still in the testing phase of the product, and there are other companies out there looking to develop suits like these.

This could really go a long way in preventing work injuries, as a significant amount can be linked to improper lifting techniques and heavy loads. It can also help a worker after they’ve suffered a serious injury, as the company is testing its use in helping people learn how to walk again after spinal injuries.

The suits are expected to be costly and there is a worry that they might increase workers’ compensation costs. Ekso Bionics cofounder and CTO says that people who buy them will see a great return on investment since they will save so much in claims costs and limit the toll that heavy lifting can take on workers. They could also help workers who are already permanently or partially injured with serious spine injuries, as they may cut down on medication needs or expensive rehab treatments.