Ability of a passive back support exoskeleton to mitigate fatigue related adaptations in a complex repetitive lifting task

Journal of Biomechanics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 112553 - 112553

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Biomechanical Risk Classification in Repetitive Lifting Using Multi-Sensor Electromyography Data, Revised National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Lifting Equation, and Deep Learning

Biosensors, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(2), P. 84 - 84

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Repetitive lifting tasks in occupational settings often result shoulder injuries, impacting both health and productivity. Accurately assessing the biomechanical risk of these remains a significant challenge ergonomics, particularly within manufacturing environments. Traditional assessment methods frequently rely on subjective reports limited observations, which can introduce bias yield incomplete evaluations. This study addresses limitations by generating utilizing comprehensive dataset containing detailed time-series electromyography (EMG) data from 25 participants. Using high-precision wearable sensors, EMG were collected eight muscles as participants performed repetitive tasks. For each task, index was calculated using revised National Institute for Occupational Safety Health (NIOSH) equation (RNLE). Participants completed cycles low-risk high-risk four-minute period, allowing muscle performance under realistic working conditions. extensive dataset, comprising over 7 million points sampled at approximately 1259 Hz, leveraged to develop deep learning models classify risk. To provide actionable insights practical ergonomics assessments, statistical features extracted raw data. Three models, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), employed analyze predict level. The CNN model achieved highest performance, with precision 98.92% recall 98.57%, proving its effectiveness real-time assessments. These findings underscore importance aligning architectures characteristics optimize management. By integrating sensors this enables precise, real-time, dynamic significantly enhancing workplace safety protocols. approach has potential improve planning reduce incidence severity work-related musculoskeletal disorders, ultimately promoting better outcomes across various settings.

Language: Английский

---

Assessment of active back-support exoskeleton on carpentry framing tasks: Muscle activity, range of motion, discomfort, and exertion

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 107, P. 103716 - 103716

Published: March 6, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Effects of a lumbar exoskeleton that provides two traction forces on spinal loading and muscles

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: March 21, 2025

In workplaces with prolonged or repetitive stooping, disc herniation due to excessive pressure at the lumbar L5/S1 joints has been a difficult condition prevent and treat in field of lower back pain. Previous research on exoskeletons mainly focused impact assistive torque muscle activation, overlooking fact that providing is not optimal approach when bending over low load. Instead, using traction force reduce more adaptable method mitigate risk intervertebral herniation. this paper, novel exoskeleton mechanism proposed. The principle similar lever arranged torso, which provides two types forces single compression spring support moment higher performance. Subsequently, kinetic simulation model covering passive physiologic tissues stiffness was developed determine range for given load, predict activation forces. Eight subjects were invited wear stooping lifting tests under extreme loads, myoelectric sensors measure activation. results confirm effectively reduces without additionally increasing study an alternative idea design adapted light load stooping.

Language: Английский

---

Low Back Exoskeletons in Industry 5.0: From Machines to Perceiving Co-Pilots—A State-of-the-Art Review

Sensors, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(7), P. 1958 - 1958

Published: March 21, 2025

This manuscript presents an updated review of back exoskeletons for occupational use, with a particular focus on sensor technology as key enabler intelligent and adaptive support. The study aims to identify barriers adoption explore design characteristics which align these systems the Industry 5.0 paradigm, where machines function collaborative co-pilots alongside humans. We propose structured pipeline analyze 32 across multiple dimensions, including design, actuation, control strategies, networks, intelligence. Additionally, we eight simulation environments support early stages exoskeleton development. Special emphasis is placed technology, highlighting its critical role in enhancing adaptability Our findings reveal that while 39.39% accommodate asymmetric activities, kinematic compatibility remains challenge. Furthermore, only 33.33% incorporated features, just one being capable adapting response based poor posture or real-time human-machine interaction feedback. limited integration advanced sensors decision-making capabilities constrains their potential dynamic Open questions remain high-level decision making, enhanced environmental awareness, development generalizable methods integrating data into strategies.

Language: Английский

---

Assessing Effectiveness of Passive Exoskeletons and Tool Selection on Ergonomic Safety in Manhole Cover Removal

Sensors, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(7), P. 2027 - 2027

Published: March 24, 2025

Manual material handling, a common practice in various industries, often involves moving or lifting heavy objects, placing significant physical strain on workers, especially the lower back. A prime example is manhole cover removal, which typically requires handling weights, potentially leading to back muscle strain. This study investigates effectiveness of passive exoskeleton reducing ergonomic risks during removal. Twenty able-bodied workers participated, performing task with and without extractor tools field. Techniques such as surface electromyography inertial measurement units were employed measure activity body posture using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). compared activities REBA scores under different conditions: manually covers, an in-house lever tool, sledgehammer pick bar tool named Jake, both exoskeleton. Results revealed that Lever was safest most efficient method, resulting lowest scores, regardless use. Interestingly, significantly reduced when Jake tool. These findings indicate while optimal for this task, exoskeletons can effectively associated more physically demanding tools.

Language: Английский

---

Fall risk assessment of active back-support exoskeleton-use for construction work using foot plantar pressure distribution

Advanced Engineering Informatics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 62, P. 102626 - 102626

Published: June 7, 2024

Language: Английский

---

Passive and Active Exoskeleton Solutions: Sensors, Actuators, Applications, and Recent Trends

Sensors, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(21), P. 7095 - 7095

Published: Nov. 4, 2024

Recent advancements in exoskeleton technology, both passive and active, are driven by the need to enhance human capabilities across various industries as well provide increased safety for worker. This review paper examines sensors, actuators, mechanisms, design, applications of active exoskeletons, providing an in-depth analysis technologies. The main scope this is examine recent developments their different fields identify research opportunities field. exoskeletons used research-level prototypes types. Further, it commonly sensors actuators with advantages disadvantages applicable types exoskeletons. Communication protocols also discussed challenges faced.

Language: Английский

---

Active back exosuits demonstrate positive usability perceptions that drive intention-to-use in the field among logistic warehouse workers

Applied Ergonomics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 122, P. 104400 - 104400

Published: Oct. 9, 2024

Language: Английский

---

Virtual Reality Simulation of Exoskeleton-Assistance for Manual Material Handling

IEEE Access, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12, P. 105470 - 105480

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

While occupational exoskeletons have shown the potential to control and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders, there is limited information available that can guide users in making informed decisions about adopting exoskeletons. Hence, we developed a virtual reality (VR) program enables perform tasks required real-life scenarios visualize beneficial negative effects of using an exoskeleton. As first step, simulated specific passive back-support exoskeleton (BSE; backX™) for assisting box lifting environment. The VR was designed customize environment (i.e., load magnitude distance, height, angle), execute without actual physical loads wearing BSE), access infographics illustrating decrease spinal forces) increase chest discomfort) BSE given task. An experimental study, involving 12 participants, conducted explore how perceived usefulness changes when individuals experience program. Participants completed four different types symmetric ankle-to-hip lift asymmetric hip-to-hip lift; each with light heavy loads). Perceived higher lifts (vs. load) lifts), suggesting presented effectively conveyed biomechanical risks associated as well extent which alleviate these risks. Future work should investigate whether such settings aligns real-world utilization, and/or contributes influencing individuals' eventual understanding/acceptance technologies.

Language: Английский

---