Approach of a Decision Support Matrix for the Implementation of Exoskeletons in Industrial Workplaces

Ralfs, Lennart; Hoffmann, Niclas; Weidner, Robert

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-74032-0_14

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Relevance is given to exoskeleton evaluation with the study by Hein and Lueth [91] that focuses on user acceptance aspects and describes the classification of evaluations for user acceptance using the criteria of the target, type, test environment, and measuring tool. Additionally, Ralfs et al [92], more in general, propose a 7-step model for comprehensive evaluation of industrial exoskeletons: characterization, preparation, pre, core, and post-evaluation, analysis, and reflection, also proposing a test course made of different situations to assess the exoskeletons. Furthermore, de Looze et al [93] offer a three-stage approach for measuring usefulness (potential fit), workload reduction effect, user acceptance, performance, and fatigue during the day.…”

Section: Guidelines and Methodological Criteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Passive Exoskeletons to Enhance Workforce Sustainability: Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

et al. 2023

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The human-centered workplace design philosophy and the operator 5.0 concepts are gaining ground in modern industries moving through the personalization of the operators’ workplace for improving workforce well being and capabilities. In such a context, new assistive technologies, such as passive exoskeletons, are good candidates to be wisely adopted in manufacturing and logistics systems. A growing interest in these devices has been detected over the last years, both from an academic and company perspective, with an increasing number of design solutions and tests according to their field of application. Aiming to investigate the current state of the art, we propose a literature review focused on passive exoskeletons for manufacturing and logistics (M&L) systems. We categorize the exoskeletons assessment in relation to the M&L tasks in which they are applied to give the reader an easy and direct insight into the exoskeleton performance in real settings. Further, the impact of the exoskeleton deployment from an efficiency perspective and its cost-effectiveness evaluation are provided. Finally, a maturity heat map is proposed to track the maturity level of different exoskeletons by focusing on a set of scientific and industrial domains. A discussion and a future research agenda are also provided by focusing on the managerial implications of investing in these devices.

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Section: Guidelines and Methodological Criteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Passive Exoskeletons to Enhance Workforce Sustainability: Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

et al. 2023

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“…The fundamental need for adaptation arises from the support context and the interaction of the human, exoskeleton, and activity. Accordingly, the support situation must be viewed holistically as the interaction of people, exoskeleton technology, and activity ( Weidner et al, 2013 ; Di Pasquale et al, 2021 ; Hoffmann et al, 2021 ; Ralfs et al, 2022 ). The interactions may require a corresponding adaptation of the support characteristics.…”

Section: Methods For Qualifying Exoskeletonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In terms of human-machine interaction, this refers to the necessary adaptation of the system and its support behavior to the context. The context is raised by the user with his experience, skills, and qualifications, performing a specific task in its complexity and deterministic sequence with the appropriate tool in a particular work environment and under the given external influences ( Casla et al, 2019 ; Hoffmann et al, 2021 ; Ralfs et al, 2022 ) at a specific moment of the scenario, the support situation. The support of the exoskeleton can thereby be described as the relationship between the angular range within the motion space of the supported body joint, and the corresponding applied force or generated torque.…”

Section: Fundamentals For Developing the Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Framework for qualifying exoskeletons as adaptive support technology

2022

Self Cite

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The fifth industrial revolution and the accompanying influences of digitalization are presenting enterprises with significant challenges. Regardless of the trend, however, humans will remain a central resource in future factories and will continue to be required to perform manual tasks. Against the backdrop of, e.g., societal and demographic changes and skills shortage, future-oriented support technologies such as exoskeletons represent a promising opportunity to support workers. Accordingly, the increasing interconnection of human operators, devices, and the environment, especially in human-centered work processes, requires improved human-machine interaction and further qualification of support systems to smart devices. In order to meet these requirements and enable exoskeletons as a future-proof technology, this article presents a framework for the future-oriented qualification of exoskeletons, which reveals potential in terms of user-individual and context-dependent adaptivity of support systems. In this context, a framework has been developed, allowing different support situations to be classified based on elementary functions. Using these support function dependencies and characteristics, it becomes possible to describe adaptive system behavior for human-centered support systems such as exoskeletons as a central aspect. For practical illustration, it is shown for an exemplary active exoskeleton using the example of user-individuality and context-specificity how the support characteristics of exoskeletons in the form of different support characteristics can bring about a purposeful and needs-based application for users and can contribute valuably to design future workplaces.

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“…Projects with robots, cobots, wearable devices such as exoskeletons (Elprama et al, 2022;Ralfs et al, 2022) (Blanco et al, 2022;Kim et al, 2021;Figueredo et al, 2020;Giovanelli and Vareille, 2018;De Looze et al, 2016). For Viteckova et al (2013), commercially available exoskeletons have been predominantly used for rehabilitation purposes.…”

Section: Advanced Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The applicability of advanced technologies from the traditional industry to mitigate ergonomic problems in maintenance activities in the mining industry

Santos

Reis

Fernandes

2023

JQME

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PurposeMany advanced technologies applied to maintenance are aimed at data analysis and not directly at the execution of activities. Considering the lack of studies that analyze the use of technologies with a focus on aiding maintenance activities, this study aims to investigate the applicability of advanced technologies capable of mitigating ergonomic risks in mining maintenance activities.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method study approach was performed in the most important Brazilian mining company, where three groups of equipment were observed: pumps, crushers and sieves. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected, including structured interviews with 60 maintenance professionals for the equipment, and a workshop was held to evaluate the applicability of these technologies in the maintenance activity of this equipment.FindingsIt was verified that the load handler, weight cancelers and automatically guided vehicle technologies were assessed as capable of mitigating ergonomic problems of the supporting the weight of parts and tools and the human traction during maintenance activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study observed only one company, and the five technologies analyzed here are not yet a reality in this sector.Practical implicationsThis research directs maintenance managers in the implementation of process improvements, in the incorporation of technologies capable of mitigating the ergonomic problems experienced by the maintenance professionals. In this way, it is expected to reduce the number of absences from work and improve the working conditions of these professionals.Social implicationsMining activities impact the local economy and are important in the development of technologies that improve productivity and the man–work relationship. The demands of industries for new solutions encourage local technological development through an approximation with university research and development centers. At the same time, it is observed that these centers can help in the formation of competences to act, either in the implementation of these technologies or in their handling. This university–company integration, in addition to benefiting the mining segment, has the potential to expand the solution to different supply chains, which proves to be a relevant social impact.Originality/valueThis study is pioneering in understanding the use of advanced technologies in maintenance activities in the context of the mining industry (extractive primary sector).

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Approach of a Decision Support Matrix for the Implementation of Exoskeletons in Industrial Workplaces

Cited by 5 publications

References 14 publications

Passive Exoskeletons to Enhance Workforce Sustainability: Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

Passive Exoskeletons to Enhance Workforce Sustainability: Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

Framework for qualifying exoskeletons as adaptive support technology

The applicability of advanced technologies from the traditional industry to mitigate ergonomic problems in maintenance activities in the mining industry

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