Assessment of Exoskeletons for Work Activities: The Dilemma behind the Product

Jérémy Lefint, António B. Moniz

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
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Abstract

The introduction of exoskeletons by many companies has often resulted in potential users not wanting to wear them. Evaluations of the exoskeleton reveal benefits of use, including ergonomic advantages and a reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. How can this contradiction be explained? By searching the available literature, we can identify the methods used to develop these devices and the methods employed to evaluate their acceptance and benefit. By looking at the product from different viewpoints and involving different disciplines, we will get to the root of this discrepancy. Our findings indicate that the product definition, development focus, and evaluation methods do not sufficiently and adequately address the primary goal of exoskeletons. The development of such devices should be prioritized not only for the delivery of support but also for the motivation of the user. Finally, we put forward the proposal to discuss the establishment of a novel development method for the prospective elaboration of exoskeletons.
Original languageEnglish
Article number7108
Pages (from-to)1-25
Number of pages25
JournalApplied Sciences (Switzerland)
Volume14
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Exoskeleton
  • Product development
  • Usability
  • User experience

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