The contractor has teamed up with robotics firm Eksobionics for the trial on a new school development in Cardiff.

Workers employed throughout the supply chain partners will be working wearing the ‘Eksovest’ – an upper body exoskeleton vest that supports a worker’s arms during heavy lifting.

Each vest costs £5,650 and the system could be introduced across other Willmott Dixon sites depending on trial results at the Cardiff West Community High School job.

Neal Stephens, managing director for Willmott Dixon Wales and South West, said: “Innovation is in our DNA and this could revolutionise the ability of people on site to lift heavier objects.

“The wellbeing of our people and supply chain is always our number one priority and the more we can use technology to support this, the better.

“The Eksovest technology should lead teams on site feeling less exerted, meaning improved wellbeing and productivity.”