Acceptability and task-specific efficacy of exoskeletons in industrial working environments

Exoskeletons are systems of physical assistance that are worn directly on the body and are intended reduce work-related musculoskeletal stress. Since it is still unclear how this technology is perceived in general and in relation to alternative assistance systems and under which conditions workers are willing to use exoskeletons at all, acceptability as well as essential acceptance factors technology use are investigated by conducting field studies in the real working environment of several Austrian industrial companies. Additionally, the research results will be directly fed back to manufacturers and user companies through practical design and implementation guidelines, and an exo roadmap will be made available to the business and research landscape as a comprehensive status quo survey and potential analysis of the still young field of exoskeletons. All in all, the ExoBility project is intended to help bring the needs of employees even closer to the focus of future technology-supported working environments.