Enhancing the Long-term Acceptance, Usability, and Effectiveness of Passive Exoskeletons among Construction Workers Who Vary by Sex, Age, and Prior Injury Status
Carisa Harris-Adamson
University of California, San Francisco
[email protected]
Maury Nussbaum
Virginia Tech
[email protected]
Abiola Akanmu, Alan Barr,
Sunwook Kim
Abstract:
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders remain a significant health concern for construction workers, with the shoulders and lower back being the body parts they most often injure. This research team previously assessed the feasibility of exoskeletons (EXOs) in construction, particularly arm- and back-support devices, with survey results, extensive lab-based testing, and preliminary field testing clearly supporting potential benefits. In the first year of this project, the researchers developed construction-specific training materials to facilitate safe and effective EXO implementation. These materials are now being tested and iteratively improved through partnerships with several construction firms. The team is also working with these firms to identify construction trades and tasks that will be used to determine the medium-term (2-4 weeks) effectiveness of arm- and back-support EXOs among different worker populations.