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

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a clothing-type platform of wearable robots for industrial workers who usually lift loads to prevent accidents and increase their work efficiency. First, fabrics were selected through test analyses of the elongation recovery rate and tensile strength. Second, a suit-type platform embedded with electrostatic clutch band actuators was prototyped and measured the friction force, and a washing dimension change rate of the test with the platform was conducted. Third, clothing pressures were measured after the developed prototype was worn, using an air injection sensor system at nine points and with four motions. Next, subjective clothing pressure and satisfaction surveys were conducted. The study produced four major results: (a) the selected fabrics and the prototype with the electrostatic clutch actuator met the performance requirements; (b) the greatest clothing pressure occurred at the back, back waist, and back knee, where actuators were connected, and the clothing pressure was sufficient for positional stability; (c) the subjective pressure was different in each section from the actual clothing pressure measurement; and (d) participants were satisfied with the developed prototypes, and they showed willingness to purchase them. The results can help developers of wearable robots increase comfort and user satisfaction.