Comparison of active and passive back-support exoskeletons for construction work: range of motion, discomfort, usability, exertion and cognitive load assessments

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Ноя. 18, 2023

Purpose Low back disorders are more predominant among construction trade workers than their counterparts in other industry sectors. Floor layers the top artisans that severely affected by low disorders. Exoskeletons increasingly being perceived as ergonomic solutions. This study aims to compare efficacy of passive and active back-support exoskeletons measuring range motion, discomfort, usability, rate exertion cognitive load during a simulated flooring task experiment. Design/methodology/approach In this eight participants were engaged repetitive timber performed with exoskeletons. Subjective objective data collected assess risks associated using both Descriptive statistics used for analysis. Scheirer-Ray-Hare test Wilcoxon signed-rank adopted exoskeleton conditions. Findings The results show no significant differences motion (except lifting cycle), level discomfort between two Significant difference overall was observed. usability made execution easier less restriction on movement. Research limitations/implications is laboratory environment only male participants. Originality/value contributes scarce body knowledge usage comparison work.

Язык: Английский

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Facilitators and Barriers to the Adoption of Active Back-Support Exoskeletons in the Construction Industry

Construction Research Congress 2022, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown, С. 896 - 905

Опубликована: Март 18, 2024

The construction industry is known for the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back which are triggered by work involving abnormal postures. Active back-support exoskeletons increasingly being perceived as ergonomic interventions to reduce risks associated with work. This study examined factors that would influence adoption active in industry. Using Delphi approach, two-round surveys were conducted key stakeholders such safety professionals, supervisors, site superintendents, and professionals. participants had opportunity experience exoskeleton provide feedback on could technology. findings reveal most important facilitators barriers should be considered enhance results a practical guide organizations understand requirements implementing their organizations. Manufacturers use design-related adapt designs

Язык: Английский

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Am I still human? Wearing an exoskeleton impacts self-perceptions of warmth, competence, attractiveness, and machine-likeness

Computers in Human Behavior Artificial Humans, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 2(2), С. 100073 - 100073

Опубликована: Май 31, 2024

Occupational exoskeletons are body-worn technologies capable of enhancing a wearer's naturally given strength at work. Despite increasing interest in their physical effects, implications for user self-perception have been largely overlooked. Addressing common concerns about body-enhancing technologies, our study explored how real-world use robotic exoskeleton affects mechanistic dehumanization and perceived attractiveness the self. In within-subjects laboratory experiment, n = 119 participants performed various practical work tasks (carrying, screwing, riveting) with without Ironhand active hand exoskeleton. After each condition, they completed questionnaire. We expected that condition self-perceptions warmth would be less pronounced being competent machine-like more pronounced. Study data supported these hypotheses showed competence, machine-likeness, to relevant technology acceptance. Our findings provide first evidence body-enhancement may associated tendencies towards self-dehumanization, underline multifaceted role exoskeleton-induced competence gain. By examining relate aesthetic appeal, research highlights need better understand psychological impacts on human wearers.

Язык: Английский

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In-Field Training of a Passive Back Exoskeleton Changes the Biomechanics of Logistic Workers

IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown, С. 1 - 13

Опубликована: Июнь 13, 2024

Occupational exoskeletons receive rising interest in industry as these devices diminish the biomechanical load during manual materials handling. Still, we have limited knowledge when it comes to in-field use. This gap often contributes failure implementation of exoskeleton industry. In this study, investigated how a training protocol consisting use passive back affected biomechanics logistic workers. More specifically, focused on variation muscular and kinematic patterns user was altered after training. We found that had positive effect use, relative decrease 6–9% peak muscle activity observed post-training. Additionally, decreased knee flexion by 6°–16°, indicating more stoop lifting technique. The findings point at potential benefits applying approach implementing back-supporting logistics.

Язык: Английский

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

Applied Ergonomics, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 122, С. 104400 - 104400

Опубликована: Окт. 9, 2024

Язык: Английский

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