Development of suits for upper-body movement-assistive wearable robots for industrial workers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop suits for upper-body wearable robots that can satisfy the needs of industrial workers. Firstly, a preference survey was conducted to understand the workers’ preferences in terms of design and functions. Secondly, designs were developed and prototyped after performance tests of the materials used, including washing dimension-change rates and resilience for the stability of sensors and actuators. Thirdly, a satisfaction survey was conducted to evaluate the developed designs. The major results were as follows: (a) the most preferred function was assisting movements while lifting heavy objects or patients from the floor or at lower levels below the waist; (b) the preferred design features included waist-length shirts without collars, a style that can be worn outside, black or blue designs, wicking fabrics, and flexible materials; (c) four designs were developed and prototyped after confirming the fabric and clothing performance tests; (d) upon evaluating design and function satisfaction, more than 73% of participants were satisfied with the four designs, and 85% wanted to wear them. Design D was the most satisfactory in terms of material mapping details (featuring seams along muscular body lines and added three-dimensional (3D) patterns on the elbows). Design B was the most satisfactory regarding purchase and use/wearing. This was the design with tapered lines for raglan sleeves and horizontally cut lines on the shoulders. Participants expected Design C, with seams along muscular body lines and 3D patterns on the elbows, to easily suit patients and nurses. This research will be helpful when developing suits for upper-body movement-assistive wearable robots.

Development of a comfort suit-type soft-wearable robot with flexible artificial muscles for walking assistance

“…Compression is achieved by the elongation of fibers and threads, and the elasticity of the material significantly affects the changes in pressure on the body 18 . Therefore, fabrics with excellent elongation-recovery rates and washing-dimension-change rates, which affect garment pressure, were used 19 , as shown in Fig. 1a.…”

Development of clothing-type platforms considering pressure and user satisfaction: focusing on industrial workers who tend to lift loads

“…The elongation recovery rate and tensile strengths were all above the suggested level. [16][17][18]41 Sample 1 with the best durability was selected as fabric A, and it showed a 95% elongation recovery rate, tensile strength of 917.8 N in the wale direction and 788.6 N in the course direction, and fewer thickness differences with the sensor.…”

“…11 The suggested elongation recovery rates are 60∼100%. 11,16,17 Also, the tensile strength of stretchy fabric for pressure-producing garments must be checked. 18 The tensile strength rates of fabrics for uniforms for industrial workers are 177N∼1030 N, according to KS K 2612: 2018.…”

Design guidelines for movement-assistive clothing based on a comprehensive understanding of older adults’ needs and preferences

“…Among soft wearable robots, clothing-integrated robots are considered a key advancement, outperforming traditional robots in terms of compatibility and affordability [ 6 , 7 ]. These clothing-integrated types would need to address core clothing factors, such as wearability, durability, and maintenance.…”