Use of a passive shoulder exoskeleton for manufacturing - transfer of lab findings to a realistic work setting
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Date
2023-10-25Type
- Other Conference Item
ETH Bibliography
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Abstract
Among work-related health problems, musculoskeletal disorders have the highest prevalence. In Europe, 49% of the “craft and related trades workers” report musculoskeletal pains in the shoulder, neck or upper limbs. Risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders include repetitive work, working in a non-neutral posture, and handling heavy loads.
By design, shoulder support exoskeletons can transfer load from the upper arms to the torso and reduce the force the shoulder muscles need to provide to compensate for gravity affecting the human arms, thereby relieving shoulder muscles and joints. Laboratory findings to date suggest exoskeletons reduce user’s acute physical stress and strain in the exoskeleton’s target area.
It is important to assess the efficacy of exoskeleton support in real work situations. In the current study, data was collected in a manufacturing facility during work. We hypothesized that the use of the exoskeleton relieved the shoulder muscles during work above shoulder level. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000645951Publication status
publishedPublisher
Kongress für Arbeitsschutz und ArbeitssicherheitEvent
Subject
Passive Exoskeleton; Shoulder Support; Muscle activity; Questionnaires; Field data; ManufacturingOrganisational unit
02070 - Dep. Gesundheitswiss. und Technologie / Dep. of Health Sciences and Technology03827 - Gassert, Roger / Gassert, Roger
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