Abstract
As occupational exoskeletons are approaching real world implementation, perceptions about use and their effectiveness may differ across diverse age/gender groups, and device design. A soft and rigid type back-support exoskeleton (EXO) were evaluated in terms of selfrated maximum acceptable load (MAL), usability/social perceptions, and biomechanical outcomes during simulated manual material handling tasks. Thirty-six female and male participants from two age groups (18- 30 and 45-60 years) completed repetitive lifting and lowering tasks. Overall, both EXOs significantly improved participants’ MAL by ~6-7%, reduced peak trunk angle by 3-5 degrees, and reduced peak trunk extensor muscle activity by 9 - 13% . Participants generally reported both the EXOs as being useful, easy to use, and safe. This first systematic consideration of diverse age groups using a psychophysics approach in the context of passive occupational EXO use in laboratory settings contributes to bridging the gap between lab and field studies in exoskeleton implementations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
