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Coccia A, Capodaglio EM, Amitrano F, Gabba V, Panigazzi M, Pagano G, D'Addio G. Biomechanical Effects of Using a Passive Exoskeleton for the Upper Limb in Industrial Manufacturing Activities: A Pilot Study. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:1445. [PMID: 38474980 DOI: 10.3390/s24051445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the biomechanical impact of a passive Arm-Support Exoskeleton (ASE) on workers in wool textile processing. Eight workers, equipped with surface electrodes for electromyography (EMG) recording, performed three industrial tasks, with and without the exoskeleton. All tasks were performed in an upright stance involving repetitive upper limbs actions and overhead work, each presenting different physical demands in terms of cycle duration, load handling and percentage of cycle time with shoulder flexion over 80°. The use of ASE consistently lowered muscle activity in the anterior and medial deltoid compared to the free condition (reduction in signal Root Mean Square (RMS) -21.6% and -13.6%, respectively), while no difference was found for the Erector Spinae Longissimus (ESL) muscle. All workers reported complete satisfaction with the ASE effectiveness as rated on Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST), and 62% of the subjects rated the usability score as very high (>80 System Usability Scale (SUS)). The reduction in shoulder flexor muscle activity during the performance of industrial tasks is not correlated to the level of ergonomic risk involved. This preliminary study affirms the potential adoption of ASE as support for repetitive activities in wool textile processing, emphasizing its efficacy in reducing shoulder muscle activity. Positive worker acceptance and intention to use ASE supports its broader adoption as a preventive tool in the occupational sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Coccia
- Bioengineering Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, BN, Italy
| | - Edda Maria Capodaglio
- Occupational Therapy and Ergonomics Unit of Pavia Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Federica Amitrano
- Bioengineering Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, BN, Italy
| | - Vittorio Gabba
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatrics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Monica Panigazzi
- Occupational Therapy and Ergonomics Unit of Montescano Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27040 Montescano, PV, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pagano
- Bioengineering Unit of Bari Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 70124 Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Giovanni D'Addio
- Bioengineering Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, BN, Italy
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Bär M, Luger T. Using a Passive Back Exoskeleton During a Simulated Sorting Task: Influence on Muscle Activity, Posture, and Heart Rate. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:40-55. [PMID: 35225011 PMCID: PMC10756017 DOI: 10.1177/00187208211073192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate using a back exoskeleton in a simulated sorting task in a static forward bent trunk posture on muscle activity, posture, and heart rate (HR). BACKGROUND Potentials of exoskeletons for reducing musculoskeletal demands in work tasks need to be clarified. METHODS Thirty-six healthy males performed the sorting task in 40°-forward bent static trunk posture for 90 seconds, in three trunk orientations, with and without exoskeleton. Muscle activity of the erector spinae (ES), biceps femoris (BF), trapezius descendens (TD), rectus abdominis (RA), vastus laterals (VL), and gastrocnemius medialis was recorded using surface electromyography normalized to a submaximal or maximal reference electrical activity (%RVE (reference voluntary electrical activity)/%MVE). Spine and lower limb postures were assessed by gravimetric position sensors, and HR by electrocardiography. RESULTS Using the exoskeleton resulted in decreased BF muscle activity [-8.12%RVE], and minor changes in ES [-1.29%MVE], RA [-0.28%RVE], VL [-0.49%RVE], and TD [+1.13%RVE] muscle activity. Hip and knee flexion increased [+8.1°; +6.7°]. Heart rate decreased by 2.1 bpm. Trunk orientation had an influence on BF muscle activity. CONCLUSION Using the back exoskeleton in a short sorting task with static trunk posture mainly reduced hip extensor muscle activity and changed lower limb but not spine posture. Implications of using a back exoskeleton for workers' musculoskeletal health need further clarification. APPLICATION The detected changes by using the Laevo® illustrate the need for further investigation prior to practical recommendations of using exoskeletons in the field. Investigating various work scenarios in different kind of workers and long-term applications would be important elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Bär
- Mona Bär, Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University of Tübingen and University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, Tübingen 72074, Germany; e-mail:
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Mitterlehner L, Li YX, Wolf M. Objective and subjective evaluation of a passive low-back exoskeleton during simulated logistics tasks. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:e24. [PMID: 38487776 PMCID: PMC10936295 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2023.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders remain the most common work-related health problem in the European Union. The most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder reported by workers is backache, especially in the logistics sector. Thus, this article aims to evaluate the effects of a commercial passive low-back exoskeleton during simulated logistics tasks. Thirty participants were recruited for this study. Typical logistics tasks were simulated in a laboratory environment. Cross-over research design was utilized to assess the effects of the exoskeleton on heart rate, trunk inclination, trunk acceleration, throughput, and perceived exertion. Also, usability and acceptance were obtained using a custom questionnaire. We found mostly non-significant differences. Effects on throughput varied widely between workplaces. Usability ratings were poor and acceptance moderate. The study suggests that a holistic evaluation and implementation approach for industrial exoskeletons is necessary. Further, prior to exoskeleton implementation, workplace adaptation might be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Mitterlehner
- Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Yasmin Xinyue Li
- Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Wolf
- Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
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Flor-Unda O, Casa B, Fuentes M, Solorzano S, Narvaez-Espinoza F, Acosta-Vargas P. Exoskeletons: Contribution to Occupational Health and Safety. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1039. [PMID: 37760141 PMCID: PMC10647659 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10091039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to characterize the current landscape of exoskeletons designed to promote medical care and occupational safety in industrial settings. Extensive exploration of scientific databases spanning industries, health, and medicine informs the classification of exoskeletons according to their distinctive attributes and specific footholds on the human physique. Within the scope of this review, a comprehensive analysis is presented, contextualizing the integration of exoskeletons based on different work activities. The reviewers extracted the most relevant articles published between 2008 and 2023 from IEEE, Proquest, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and other databases. In this review, the PRISMA-ScR checklist was used, and a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.642 was applied, implying moderate agreement among the reviewers; 75 primary studies were extracted from a total of 344. The future of exoskeletons in contributing to occupational health and safety will depend on continued collaboration between researchers, designers, healthcare professionals, and industries. With the continued development of technologies and an increasing understanding of how these devices interact with the human body, exoskeletons will likely remain valuable for improving working conditions and safety in various work environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Flor-Unda
- Ingeniería Industrial, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
| | - Bregith Casa
- Ingeniería en Diseño Industrial, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170125, Ecuador; (B.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Mauricio Fuentes
- Ingeniería en Diseño Industrial, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170125, Ecuador; (B.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Santiago Solorzano
- Unidad de Innovación Tecnológica, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
| | | | - Patricia Acosta-Vargas
- Ingeniería Industrial, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- Intelligent and Interactive Systems Laboratory, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
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Accompagnement d’une blanchisserie dans l’acquisition d’exosquelettes professionnels. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2023.101795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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Liang CJ, Cheng MH. Trends in Robotics Research in Occupational Safety and Health: A Scientometric Analysis and Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105904. [PMID: 37239630 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Robots have been deployed in workplaces to assist, work alongside, or collaborate with human workers on various tasks, which introduces new occupational safety and health hazards and requires research efforts to address these issues. This study investigated the research trends for robotic applications in occupational safety and health. The scientometric method was applied to quantitatively analyze the relationships between robotics applications in the literature. The keywords "robot", "occupational safety and health", and their variants were used to find relevant articles. A total of 137 relevant articles published during 2012-2022 were collected from the Scopus database for this analysis. Keyword co-occurrence, cluster, bibliographic coupling, and co-citation analyses were conducted using VOSviewer to determine the major research topics, keywords, co-authorship, and key publications. Robot safety, exoskeletons and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, human-robot collaboration, and monitoring were four popular research topics in the field. Finally, research gaps and future research directions were identified based on the analysis results, including additional efforts regarding warehousing, agriculture, mining, and construction robots research; personal protective equipment; and multi-robot collaboration. The major contributions of the study include identifying the current trends in the application of robotics in the occupational safety and health discipline and providing pathways for future research in this discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ci-Jyun Liang
- Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Marvin H Cheng
- Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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Baldassarre A, Lulli LG, Cavallo F, Fiorini L, Mariniello A, Mucci N, Arcangeli G. Industrial exoskeletons from bench to field: Human-machine interface and user experience in occupational settings and tasks. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1039680. [PMID: 36478728 PMCID: PMC9720272 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1039680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are considered nowadays the most serious issue in the Occupational Health and Safety field and industrial exoskeletons appear to be a new approach to addressing this medical burden. A systematic review has been carried out to analyze the real-life data of the application of exoskeletons in work settings considering the subjective responses of workers. Methods The review was registered on PROSPERO. The literature search and its report have been performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results Twenty-four original studies were included in the literature review; 42% of the papers retrieved included automobilist industry workers, 17% of the studies evaluated the use of exoskeletons in logistic facilities, and 17% of articles involved healthcare. The remaining six papers recruited farmers, plasterers, wasting collectors, construction workers, and other workmen. All the papers selected tested the use of passive exoskeletons, supporting upper arms or back. Usability, perceived comfort, perceived exertion and fatigue, acceptability and intention to use, occupational safety and health, and job performance and productivity were the main topic analyzed. Conclusion Exoskeletons are not a fix-all technology, neither for workers nor for job tasks; they tend to show more of their potential in static activities, while in dynamic tasks, they can obstacle regular job performance. Comfort and easiness of use are the key factors influencing the user's experience. More research is needed to determine the most effective and safe ways to implement exoskeleton use in occupational settings. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=275728, identifier CRD42021275728.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Baldassarre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Cavallo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Fiorini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Moulart M, Olivier N, Giovanelli Y, Marin F. Subjective assessment of a lumbar exoskeleton's impact on lower back pain in a real work situation. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11420. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Lopes M, Lopes S, Monteiro M, Rodrigues M, Fertuzinhos A, Coelho ADS, Matos P, Borges A, Leite T, Sampaio C, Costa R, Alvarelhão J. Exploring the efficacy of a set of smart devices for postural awareness for workers in an industrial context – A protocol for a single-subject experimental design (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 12:e43637. [PMID: 37140979 DOI: 10.2196/43637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In manufacturing industries, tasks requiring poor posture, high repetition, and long duration commonly induce fatigue and lead to an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Smart devices assessing biomechanics and providing feedback to the worker for correction may be a successful way to increase postural awareness, reducing fatigue, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, evidence in industrial settings is lacking. OBJECTIVE This study protocol aims to explore the efficacy of a set of smart devices to detect malposture and increase postural awareness, reducing fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS A longitudinal single-subject experimental design following the ABAB sequence will be developed in a manufacturing industry real context with 5 workers. A repetitive task of screw tightening of 5 screws in a standing position into a piece placed horizontally was selected. Workers will be assessed in 4 moments per shift (10 minutes after the beginning of the shift, 10 minutes before and after the break, and 10 minutes before the end of the shift) in 5 nonconsecutive days. The primary outcomes are fatigue, assessed by electromyography, and musculoskeletal symptoms assessed by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include perceived effort (Borg perceived exertion scale); range of motion of the main joints in the upper body, speed, acceleration, and deceleration assessed by motion analysis; risk stratification of range of motion; and cycle duration in minutes. Structured visual analysis techniques will be conducted to observe the effects of the intervention. Results for each variable of interest will be compared among the different time points of the work shift and longitudinally considering each assessment day as a time point. RESULTS Enrollment for the study will start in April 2023. Results are expected to be available still in the first semester of 2023. It is expected that the use of the smart system will reduce malposture, fatigue, and consequently, work-related musculoskeletal pain and disorders. CONCLUSIONS This proposed study will explore a strategy to increase postural awareness in industrial manufacturing workers who do repetitive tasks, using smart wearables that provide real-time feedback about biomechanics. Results would showcase a novel approach for improving self-awareness of risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders for these workers providing an evidence base support for the use of such devices. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/43637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário Lopes
- School of Health Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana Lopes
- School of Health Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Monteiro
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mário Rodrigues
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Augusto de Sousa Coelho
- Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture [ID+], School of Design, Management and Production Technologies Northern Aveiro, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paulo Matos
- ATENA Automação Industrial, Lda, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Teófilo Leite
- ICC - Indústrias e Comércio de Calçado, SA, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cátia Sampaio
- ICC - Indústrias e Comércio de Calçado, SA, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui Costa
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Alvarelhão
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Bär M, Luger T, Seibt R, Gabriel J, Rieger MA, Steinhilber B. Effects of a Passive Back-Support Exoskeleton on Knee Joint Loading during Simulated Static Sorting and Dynamic Lifting Tasks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9965. [PMID: 36011596 PMCID: PMC9408483 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to the load shifting mechanism of many back-support exoskeletons (BSEs), this study evaluated possible side effects of using a BSE on knee joint loading. Twenty-nine subjects (25.9 (±4.4) years, 179.0 (±6.5) cm; 73.6 (±9.4) kg) performed simulated static sorting and dynamic lifting tasks, including stoop and squat styles and different trunk rotation postures. Ground reaction force, body posture and the force between the chest and the BSE's contact interface were recorded using a force plate, two-dimensional gravimetric position sensors, and a built-in force sensor of the BSE, respectively. Using these parameters and the subject's anthropometry, median and 90th percentile horizontal (HOR50, HOR90) and vertical (VERT50, VERT90) tibiofemoral forces were calculated via a self-developed inverse quasi-static biomechanical model. BSE use had a variable effect on HOR50 dependent on the working task and body posture. Generally, VERT50 increased without significant interaction effects with posture or task. HOR90 and VERT90 were not affected by using the BSE. In conclusion, utilizing the investigated exoskeleton is likely to induce side effects in terms of changed knee joint loading. This may depend on the applied working task and the user's body posture. The role of these changes in the context of a negative contribution to work-related cumulative knee exposures should be addressed by future research.
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Biomechanical Analysis of Stoop and Free-Style Squat Lifting and Lowering with a Generic Back-Support Exoskeleton Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159040. [PMID: 35897411 PMCID: PMC9332239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) induced by industrial manual handling tasks are a major issue for workers and companies. As flexible ergonomic solutions, occupational exoskeletons can decrease critically high body stress in situations of awkward postures and motions. Biomechanical models with detailed anthropometrics and motions help us to acquire a comprehension of person- and application-specifics by considering the intended and unintended effects, which is crucial for effective implementation. In the present model-based analysis, a generic back-support exoskeleton model was introduced and applied to the motion data of one male subject performing symmetric and asymmetric dynamic manual handling tasks. Different support modes were implemented with this model, including support profiles typical of passive and active systems and an unconstrained optimal support mode used for reference to compare and quantify their biomechanical effects. The conducted simulations indicate that there is a high potential to decrease the peak compression forces in L4/L5 during the investigated heavy loaded tasks for all motion sequences and exoskeleton support modes (mean reduction of 16.0% without the optimal support mode). In particular, asymmetric motions (mean reduction of 11.9%) can be relieved more than symmetric ones (mean reduction of 8.9%) by the exoskeleton support modes without the optimal assistance. The analysis of metabolic energy consumption indicates a high dependency on lifting techniques for the effectiveness of the exoskeleton support. While the exoskeleton support substantially reduces the metabolic cost for the free-squat motions, a slightly higher energy consumption was found for the symmetric stoop motion technique with the active and optimal support mode.
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Vélez-Guerrero MA, Callejas-Cuervo M, Álvarez JC, Mazzoleni S. Assessment of the Mechanical Support Characteristics of a Light and Wearable Robotic Exoskeleton Prototype Applied to Upper Limb Rehabilitation. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:3999. [PMID: 35684618 PMCID: PMC9185240 DOI: 10.3390/s22113999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Robotic exoskeletons are active devices that assist or counteract the movements of the body limbs in a variety of tasks, including in industrial environments or rehabilitation processes. With the introduction of textile and soft materials in these devices, the effective motion transmission, mechanical support of the limbs, and resistance to physical disturbances are some of the most desirable structural features. This paper proposes an evaluation protocol and assesses the mechanical support properties of a servo-controlled robotic exoskeleton prototype for rehabilitation in upper limbs. Since this prototype was built from soft materials, it is necessary to evaluate the mechanical behavior in the areas that support the arm. Some of the rehabilitation-supporting movements such as elbow flexion and extension, as well as increased muscle tone (spasticity), are emulated. Measurements are taken using the reference supplied to the system's control stage and then compared with an external high-precision optical tracking system. As a result, it is evidenced that the use of soft materials provides satisfactory outcomes in the motion transfer and support to the limb. In addition, this study lays the groundwork for a future assessment of the prototype in a controlled laboratory environment using human test subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Callejas-Cuervo
- Software Research Group, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja 150002, Colombia;
| | - Juan C. Álvarez
- Multisensor Systems and Robotics Group (SiMuR), Department of Electrical, Electronic, Computer and Systems Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/Pedro Puig Adam, 33203 Gijón, Spain;
| | - Stefano Mazzoleni
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy;
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Missiroli F, Lotti N, Tricomi E, Bokranz C, Alicea R, Xiloyannis M, Krzywinski J, Crea S, Vitiello N, Masia L. Rigid, Soft, Passive, and Active: A Hybrid Occupational Exoskeleton for Bimanual Multijoint Assistance. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3142447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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New and Emerging Hazards for Health and Safety within Digitalized Manufacturing Systems. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su131910948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is radically reshaping the procedures and the manufacturing environments through the digitalization process. The digitalization process can change according to the context and to specific solutions, and it is able to modify manufacturing systems and production areas. All the employees are directly affected by the transformation of the working environment, manufacturing tools, and working conditions and by the increasing need for new competencies. In this context, it is crucial to identify new and emerging hazards concerning the health and safety of the employees to ensure a conscious and safe digital transformation for everyone involved. In this regard, the paper presents the state of the research and defines seven areas of interest for a safe and harmless digital transformation for the employees, drawing attention to the hazards in the different technological areas. The state of the research unveils the absence of detailed analysis to identify specific hazards of 4.0 technologies. Therefore, every specific 4.0 technologies is analyzed by an extensive review to provide a comprehensive matrix of new and emerging hazards for health and safety within digitalized manufacturing systems. The results can help manufacturing organizations to perform robust risk assessments for worker when introducing specific 4.0 technologies.
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Siedl SM, Mara M. Exoskeleton acceptance and its relationship to self-efficacy enhancement, perceived usefulness, and physical relief: A field study among logistics workers. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2021; 2:e10. [PMID: 38486624 PMCID: PMC10936393 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2021.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Objective This field study aimed to explore the effects of exoskeleton use on task-specific self-efficacy beliefs of logistics workers and to relate these effects to usefulness perceptions and technology acceptance. Background A growing number of industrial companies have shown interest in having employees wearing exoskeletons to support their physical health. However, psychological consequences of exoskeleton use and mechanisms associated with workers' acceptance or rejection of exoskeletons are not yet sufficiently understood. Methods A total of 31 logistics workers of a vehicle manufacturing company reported on their work-related self-efficacy, that is, how capable they felt of performing tasks related to their job well, before partaking in half-hour trials of a passive lift-assistive exoskeleton (Laevo V2.5) during their normal work. Afterward, they completed a questionnaire on their exoskeleton-supported self-efficacy and indicated how useful they found the exoskeleton, how much physical relief they felt from wearing it, and how willing they were to continue with its use. Results Overall, wearing the exoskeleton did not lead to increased work-specific self-efficacy. However, indications of interaction effects were found between baseline self-efficacy, perceived physical relief, and perceived usefulness in such a way that workers who experienced the exoskeleton as more strain-relieving or more useful were also more likely to report a post-trial growth in their self-efficacy beliefs. A positive change in self-efficacy, in turn, was associated with a greater willingness to further use the exoskeleton at the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Siedl
- LIT Robopsychology Lab, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Martina Mara
- LIT Robopsychology Lab, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
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