Exploratory Field Testing of Passive Exoskeletons in Several Manufacturing Environments: Perceived Usability and User Acceptance

Abstract

Exploratory field testing of passive exoskeletons in several manufacturing environments: perceived usability and user acceptance OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSResults of the current exploratory study suggest that use of an exoskeleton (EXO) has the potential to be accepted by workers as an intervention in diverse manufacturing environments. Also evident were that the major factors contributing to EXO-use-intention are perceived comfort, task-technology fit, perceived safety, and perceived usefulness. A user's perception of perceived usability may be established by using an exoskeleton during actual job tasks, yet some aspects of perceived usability likely require multiple exposures to an EXO for an accurate assessment. Many negative comments regarding EXO use were related to physical constraints (e.g., restricted movements, bulkiness), and to the EXO interface (e.g., straps, cuff designs), suggesting a need for further research on EXO design to minimize discomfort. In practice, there is likely value in having workers use and explore candidate EXOs during their actual job, both to accurately assess the usefulness of an EXO and to find the most effective EXO.

The Effect of Support Level and Arm Angle on Passive Arm Support Exoskeleton Perceived Weight Reduction

“…Summary statistics were calculated for the results of the Paexo and EVO qualitative questionnaires that were given to participants after testing with the respective EXOs. Questions were based on previous exoskeleton research (Schwerha et al, 2022). The questionnaires measured participant perceptions of a variety of factors.…”

Objective and subjective evaluation of a passive low-back exoskeleton during simulated logistics tasks

“…Assuming constant working speed (which we consider valid because participants were encouraged to work at a sustainable working speed) throughout an 8-hr shift at this workplace, this results in a decrease of 120 picks. Schwerha et al ( 2022 ) also reported that workers slowed down due to an exoskeleton and could no longer meet their productivity goals. Contrary to these results, Miura et al ( 2018 ) found that workers’ performance increased significantly when wearing an active lumbar support exoskeleton.…”

Dynamic and Static Assistive Strategies for a Tailored Occupational Back-Support Exoskeleton: Assessment on Real Tasks Carried Out by Railway Workers

“…While passive devices are less versatile by design, active ones can rely on sensors and algorithms to adapt the assistive output to the demands of the task [13][14][15]. Currently, occupational back support exoskeletons are entering a new development stage in which evaluation of their performance is now expected to take place in field studies [16][17][18]. These studies aim to highlight and verify the potential of exoskeletons to perform as promised by reducing overload and being accepted by workers within industrial environments.…”