# Strain-Preventing Gloves This Protective Glove from BMW Prevents Finger Strain on Assembly Lines By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-10-14 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protective-glove References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/bmw-3d-printed-thumb-supports/32867/) & [press.bmwgroup](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/pressDetail.html?title=customized-assembly-support-from-the-3d-printer&outputChannelId=6&id=T0185382EN&left_menu_item=node__5247) Working on an assembly line often involves a lot of repetitive movement, which is fine for machines, but less so for human parts—this is where [BMW's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steering-wheel-concept) [3D-printed protective glove piece](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/endurance-active-touch-glove) comes in handy. In order to help its factory workers avoid strained joints, BMW invented a glove piece that would assist workers as they fit rubber plugs into drain holes during the process of painting the car. The device works like a second skin, providing enough movement for the thumb to move, without causing strain from over-extension. In advance of injury, BMW took note of the potential for strain in its assembly area and went to work on developing the glove. Now, the gloves are produced in-house, along with help from the [Department of Ergonomics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-glove-1) at the Technical University of Munich, which involves 3D scanning each worker's hands for a custom glove. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Ergonomic Gloves:** Using ergonomic gloves can help prevent repetitive strain injuries for workers on assembly lines. - **Customized Protective Gear:** Customizable protective gear, such as gloves, can better assist workers on assembly lines, reducing the risk of injury. - **Collaborative Design:** Collaboration between companies and universities can lead to innovative designs, like BMW's strain-preventing gloves. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Manufacturing:** The manufacturing industry could benefit from implementing strain-preventing gear to reduce the risk of injury in assembly line workers. - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry could explore the use of ergonomic gloves to prevent repetitive strain injuries among healthcare workers. - **Sports Equipment:** Sports equipment companies could explore the use of customizable gear, such as gloves, to better fit athletes' unique needs and prevent injury. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Robotic Hand Assistance Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioservo-carbonhand.md) - [Glove-Like Keyboard Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glove80-keyboard.md) - [AI-Driven Robot Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-glove-1.md) - [Worker Safety-Enhancing Wearable Robotics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-robot1.md) - [Worker Injury-Preventing Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/preventure.md) - [Air Cushion Hand Massagers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tabletop-hand-massager.md) - [Weighted Training Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerhandz.md) - [Hand Compression Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grace-able.md) - [Hand Tremor-Assisting Intelligent Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intelligent-glove.md)