Assessing the Potential for Occupational Exoskeletons in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Manufacturing Companies
Date: 2018-2020
Collaboration between Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University and Virginia Tech
Diana J. Schwerha, PhD, Professor, ISE, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University
Nathan McNamara, BS, Graduate Student, ISE, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University
Additional Websites:
www.ohio.edu/engineering/about/people/schwerha
Maury Nussbaum, PhD, CPE, H.G. Prillaman Professor, Assistant Department Head, and Graduate Program Director, ISE, Virginia Tech
Sunwook Kim, PhD, Research Scientist, ISE, Virginia Tech
Websites:
This two-year field study investigated the potential for passive occupational exoskeleton use in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Manufacturing companies. During Phase I, we worked with 10 companies to determine barriers to and benefits from exoskeleton use. During Phase II, we completed a field study at 5 companies where employees wore exoskeletons at their regular jobs and we measured perceived usability and musculoskeletal load.
The project was funded by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
We are currently writing the manuscripts and reports and will post links when available.