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Qiao J, Gan J. Subjective and fitting evaluation of a revised physical attachment interface for a passive exoskeleton chair. ERGONOMICS 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39088316 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2372460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Passive exoskeleton chairs can alleviate fatigue, enhance efficiency, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal diseases for workers standing for prolonged hours and have gradually been applied in recent years. In this study, by strategically distributing elastic and non-elastic fabrics, physical interfaces of the attachment system for the exoskeleton chair were revised to better adapt to bodily deformations and movements. We conducted an experiment using motion capture systems and subjective questionnaires to evaluate the performance of the initial and revised attachment systems of an exoskeleton chair worn by participants while performing multiple simulated assembly tasks. The results indicated that when wearing the revised one, some adverse effects on gait were significant reduced, as was the relative displacement of straps and discomfort in lumbar and abdominal, and system usability was improved, all of which were considered to be helpful in design to improve the performance of the attachment system in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Qiao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Gan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Chidambaram V, Gopalsamy MM, Kanchan BK, Mouleeswaran S. A holistic methodology for mitigating awkward postural risks: Evidence from South Indian small-scale industries. Work 2024; 77:1031-1045. [PMID: 37781854 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small-scale industries (SSI) are the global economy's backbone since most industrial workers are connected. Most of these workers are contractual and temporary without appropriate training. Also, the SSI does not have a standard workplace with an appropriate layout and infrastructure, as they manage with minimum resources. Therefore, the work hazards, i.e., musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue, often go unnoticed as holistic postural risk methodology is still scarce for identifying the awkward postures in SSI. OBJECTIVE The present study proposes a novel holistic methodology to track and mitigate awkward postural risks in human-physical activities in SSI. To determine the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a case study is presented in the South Indian Pump industry, wherein a critical workstation with a complex ergonomic work environment is employed. METHODS An ergonomic evaluation was conducted empirically and numerically in the workplaces using Digital Human Models. In numerical evaluation, three virtual workspaces have been created to redesign the identified crucial workstation, focusing on ergonomics and workflow. RESULTS The results obtained from the case study are encouraging for to use of the novel methodology in SSI. The case study reports that the proposed design significantly reduced the REBA score and WISHA lifting index by 6 and 1.20, respectively, without significant investment. CONCLUSION The proposed methodology could encourage research to identify awkward posture in SSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vigneswaran Chidambaram
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
| | - Madhan Mohan Gopalsamy
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
| | - Brajesh Kumar Kanchan
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Senthilkumar Mouleeswaran
- Department of Production Engineering, Ergonomics Laboratory, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
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3
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Kuber PM, Alemi MM, Rashedi E. A Systematic Review on Lower-Limb Industrial Exoskeletons: Evaluation Methods, Evidence, and Future Directions. Ann Biomed Eng 2023:10.1007/s10439-023-03242-w. [PMID: 37248409 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03242-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Industrial tasks that involve frequent sitting/standing transitions and squatting activities can benefit from lower-limb industrial exoskeletons; however, their use is not as widespread as their upper-body counterparts. In this review, we examined 23 articles that evaluated the effects of using Wearable Chair (WC) and Squat-assist (SA) exoskeletons. Evaluations mainly included assessment of muscular demands in the thigh, shank, and upper/lower back regions. Both types of devices were found to lessen muscular demands in the lower body by 30-90%. WCs also reduced low-back demands (~ 37%) and plantar pressure (54-80%) but caused discomfort/unsafe feeling in participants. To generalize outcomes, we suggest standardizing approaches used for evaluating the devices. Along with addressing low adoption through design upgrades (e.g., ground and body supports/attachments), we recommend that researchers thoroughly evaluate temporal effects on muscle fatigue, metabolic rate, and stability of wearers. Although lower-limb exoskeletons were found to be beneficial, discrepancies in experimental protocols (posture/task/measures) were discovered. We also suggest simulating more realistic conditions, such as walking/sitting interchangeability for WCs and lifting loads for SA devices. The presented outcomes could help improve the design/evaluation approaches, and implementation of lower limb wearable devices across industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Madhav Kuber
- Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab, Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Alemi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Training Services, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Ehsan Rashedi
- Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab, Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA.
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Liang CJ, Cheng MH. Trends in Robotics Research in Occupational Safety and Health: A Scientometric Analysis and Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105904. [PMID: 37239630 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Robots have been deployed in workplaces to assist, work alongside, or collaborate with human workers on various tasks, which introduces new occupational safety and health hazards and requires research efforts to address these issues. This study investigated the research trends for robotic applications in occupational safety and health. The scientometric method was applied to quantitatively analyze the relationships between robotics applications in the literature. The keywords "robot", "occupational safety and health", and their variants were used to find relevant articles. A total of 137 relevant articles published during 2012-2022 were collected from the Scopus database for this analysis. Keyword co-occurrence, cluster, bibliographic coupling, and co-citation analyses were conducted using VOSviewer to determine the major research topics, keywords, co-authorship, and key publications. Robot safety, exoskeletons and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, human-robot collaboration, and monitoring were four popular research topics in the field. Finally, research gaps and future research directions were identified based on the analysis results, including additional efforts regarding warehousing, agriculture, mining, and construction robots research; personal protective equipment; and multi-robot collaboration. The major contributions of the study include identifying the current trends in the application of robotics in the occupational safety and health discipline and providing pathways for future research in this discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ci-Jyun Liang
- Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Marvin H Cheng
- Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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5
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Dooley S, Kim S, Nussbaum MA, Madigan ML. A passive leg-support exoskeleton adversely affects reactive balance after simulated slips and trips on a treadmill. J Biomech 2023; 151:111533. [PMID: 36905730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exoskeletons have become more prevalent as an ergonomic control to reduce the physical demands of workers. While beneficial effects have been reported, there is relatively little evidence regarding potential adverse effects of exoskeletons on fall risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a leg-support exoskeleton on reactive balance after simulated slips and trips. Six participants (three females) used a passive, leg-support exoskeleton that provided chair-like support in three experimental conditions (no exoskeleton, low-seat setting, high-seat setting). In each of these conditions, participants were exposed to 28 treadmill perturbations from an upright standing posture simulating a backward slip (0.4-1.6 m/s) or a forward trip (0.75-2.25 m/s). The exoskeleton increased the probability of a failed recovery, and adversely affected reactive balance kinematics, after simulated slips and trips. After simulated slips, the exoskeleton decreased initial step length 0.039 m, decreased mean step speed 0.12 m/s, anteriorly displaced touchdown position of the initial recovery step by 0.045 m, and decreased PSIS height at initial step touchdown by 1.7 % sof its standing height. After simulated trips, the exoskeleton increased trunk angle at step 2.4 degrees, and decreased initial step length 0.033 m. These effects appeared to result from the exoskeleton inhibiting regular stepping motion due to its posterior placement on the lower limbs, added mass, and mechanical constraints on participant movement. Our results suggest care may be needed among leg-support exoskeleton users when at risk of slips or trips and motivate potential exoskeleton design modifications to reduce fall risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Dooley
- Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Sunwook Kim
- Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Michael L Madigan
- Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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6
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Sujatha Ravindran A, Malaya C, John I, Francisco GE, Layne C, Contreras-Vidal JL. Decoding Neural Activity Preceding Balance Loss During Standing with a Lower-limb Exoskeleton using an Interpretable Deep Learning Model. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35508113 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac6ca9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Falls are a leading cause of death in adults 65 and older. Recent efforts to restore lower-limb function in these populations have seen an increase in the use of wearable robotic systems; however, fall prevention measures in these systems require early detection of balance loss to be effective. Prior studies have investigated whether kinematic variables contain information about an impending fall, but few have examined the potential of using electroencephalography (EEG) as a fall-predicting signal and how the brain responds to avoid a fall. To address this, we decoded neural activity in a balance perturbation task while wearing an exoskeleton. We acquired EEG, electromyography (EMG), and center of pressure (COP) data from 7 healthy participants during mechanical perturbations while standing. The timing of the perturbations was randomized in all trials. We found perturbation evoked potentials (PEP) components as early as 75-134 ms after the onset of the external perturbation, which preceded both the peak in EMG (∼ 180 ms) and the COP (∼ 350 ms). A convolutional neural network trained to predict balance perturbations from single-trial EEG had a mean F-score of 75.0 ± 4.3 %. Clustering GradCAM-based model explanations demonstrated that the model utilized components in the PEP and was not driven by artifacts. Additionally, dynamic functional connectivity results agreed with model explanations; the nodal connectivity measured using phase difference derivative was higher in the occipital-parietal region in the early stage of perturbations, before shifting to the parietal, motor, and back to the frontal-parietal channels. Continuous-time decoding of COP trajectories from EEG, using a gated recurrent unit model, achieved a mean Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.7 ± 0.06. Overall, our findings suggest that EEG signals contain short-latency neural information related to an impending fall, which may be useful for developing brain-machine interface systems for fall prevention in robotic exoskeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Sujatha Ravindran
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, 4800 calhoun road, E413, Cullen Engineering Building 1, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, UNITED STATES
| | - Christopher Malaya
- Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, 4800 calhoun road, Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, UNITED STATES
| | - Isaac John
- Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, 4800 calhoun road, Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, UNITED STATES
| | - Gerard E Francisco
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St, Houston, Texas, 77030, UNITED STATES
| | - Charles Layne
- Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, 4800 calhoun road, Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, UNITED STATES
| | - Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, N308 Engineering Building I, Houston, Texas, 77204-4005, UNITED STATES
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Golabchi A, Chao A, Tavakoli M. A Systematic Review of Industrial Exoskeletons for Injury Prevention: Efficacy Evaluation Metrics, Target Tasks, and Supported Body Postures. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22072714. [PMID: 35408328 PMCID: PMC9002381 DOI: 10.3390/s22072714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Industrial workplaces expose workers to a high risk of injuries such as Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Exoskeletons are wearable robotic technologies that can be used to reduce the loads exerted on the body's joints and reduce the occurrence of WMSDs. However, current studies show that the deployment of industrial exoskeletons is still limited, and widespread adoption depends on different factors, including efficacy evaluation metrics, target tasks, and supported body postures. Given that exoskeletons are not yet adopted to their full potential, we propose a review based on these three evaluation dimensions that guides researchers and practitioners in properly evaluating and selecting exoskeletons and using them effectively in workplaces. Specifically, evaluating an exoskeleton needs to incorporate: (1) efficacy evaluation metrics based on both subjective (e.g., user perception) and objective (e.g., physiological measurements from sensors) measures, (2) target tasks (e.g., manual material handling and the use of tools), and (3) the body postures adopted (e.g., squatting and stooping). This framework is meant to guide the implementation and assessment of exoskeletons and provide recommendations addressing potential challenges in the adoption of industrial exoskeletons. The ultimate goal is to use the framework to enhance the acceptance and adoption of exoskeletons and to minimize future WMSDs in industrial workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Golabchi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada;
| | - Andrew Chao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada;
| | - Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada;
- Correspondence:
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8
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Ergonomic Assessment of Physical Load in Slovak Industry Using Wearable Technologies. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12073607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The physical tasks of workers are demanding, particularly when performed long-term in unsuitable working position, with high frequency, heavy load, after injury, with developing damage of health or reduced performance due to advanced age. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) result from overuse or develop over time. Work activities, which are frequent and repetitive, or activities with awkward postures, cause disorders that may be painful during work or at rest. There is a new technology in the market, occupational exoskeletons, which have the prerequisites for minimizing the negative consequences of workload on WMSDs. We provided pilot quantitative measurements of the ergonomic risk at one selected workplace in a Slovak automotive company with four different workers to prove our methodology using wearable wireless multi-sensor systems Captiv and Actigraph. At first, the test was performed in standard conditions without an exoskeleton. The unacceptable physical load was identified in considerable evaluated body areas—neck, hip, and shoulder. Next, the passive chair exoskeleton Chairless Chair 2.0 was used in trials as an ergonomic measure. Our intention was to determine whether an exoskeleton would be an effective tool for optimizing the workload in selected workplaces and whether the proposed unique quantitative measurement system would give reliable and quick results.
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9
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De Bock S, Ghillebert J, Govaerts R, Tassignon B, Rodriguez-Guerrero C, Crea S, Veneman J, Geeroms J, Meeusen R, De Pauw K. Benchmarking occupational exoskeletons: An evidence mapping systematic review. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 98:103582. [PMID: 34600307 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of protocols assessing the effect of occupational exoskeletons on users and to formulate recommendations towards a literature-based assessment framework to benchmark the effect of occupational exoskeletons on the user. METHODS PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science database and Scopus were searched (March 2, 2021). Studies were included if they investigated the effect of one or more occupational exoskeletons on the user. RESULTS In total, 139 eligible studies were identified, encompassing 33, 25 and 18 unique back, shoulder and other exoskeletons, respectively. Device validation was most frequently conducted using controlled tasks while collecting muscle activity and biomechanical data. As the exoskeleton concept matures, tasks became more applied and the experimental design more representative. With that change towards realistic testing environments came a trade-off with experimental control, and user experience data became more valuable. DISCUSSION This evidence mapping systematic review reveals that the assessment of occupational exoskeletons is a dynamic process, and provides literature-based assessment recommendations. The homogeneity and repeatability of future exoskeleton assessment experiments will increase following these recommendations. The current review recognises the value of variability in evaluation protocols in order to obtain an overall overview of the effect of exoskeletons on the users, but the presented framework strives to facilitate benchmarking the effect of occupational exoskeletons on the users across this variety of assessment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander De Bock
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jo Ghillebert
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Renée Govaerts
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Tassignon
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Guerrero
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action 16116, Wearable Robots for Augmentation, Assistance or Substitution of Human Motor Functions, Belgium
| | - Simona Crea
- COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action 16116, Wearable Robots for Augmentation, Assistance or Substitution of Human Motor Functions, Belgium; The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Jan Veneman
- COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action 16116, Wearable Robots for Augmentation, Assistance or Substitution of Human Motor Functions, Belgium; Hocoma AG, Volketswil, Switzerland
| | - Joost Geeroms
- Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Meeusen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Strategic Research Program 'Exercise and the Brain in Health and Disease: The Added Value of Human-Centered Robotics', Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Human Robotic Research Center (BruBotics), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Strategic Research Program 'Exercise and the Brain in Health and Disease: The Added Value of Human-Centered Robotics', Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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New and Emerging Hazards for Health and Safety within Digitalized Manufacturing Systems. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su131910948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is radically reshaping the procedures and the manufacturing environments through the digitalization process. The digitalization process can change according to the context and to specific solutions, and it is able to modify manufacturing systems and production areas. All the employees are directly affected by the transformation of the working environment, manufacturing tools, and working conditions and by the increasing need for new competencies. In this context, it is crucial to identify new and emerging hazards concerning the health and safety of the employees to ensure a conscious and safe digital transformation for everyone involved. In this regard, the paper presents the state of the research and defines seven areas of interest for a safe and harmless digital transformation for the employees, drawing attention to the hazards in the different technological areas. The state of the research unveils the absence of detailed analysis to identify specific hazards of 4.0 technologies. Therefore, every specific 4.0 technologies is analyzed by an extensive review to provide a comprehensive matrix of new and emerging hazards for health and safety within digitalized manufacturing systems. The results can help manufacturing organizations to perform robust risk assessments for worker when introducing specific 4.0 technologies.
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Kong YK, Park CW, Cho MU, Kim SY, Kim MJ, Hyun DJ, Bae K, Choi JK, Ko SM, Choi KH. Guidelines for Working Heights of the Lower-Limb Exoskeleton (CEX) Based on Ergonomic Evaluations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105199. [PMID: 34068352 PMCID: PMC8153283 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the muscle activities and subjective discomfort according to the heights of tasks and the lower-limb exoskeleton CEX (Chairless EXoskeleton), which is a chair-type passive exoskeleton. Twenty healthy subjects (thirteen males and seven females) participated in this experiment. The independent variables were wearing of the exoskeleton (w/ CEX, w/o CEX), working height (6 levels: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 cm), and muscle type (8 levels: upper trapezius (UT), erector spinae (ES), middle deltoid (MD), triceps brachii (TB), biceps brachii (BB), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and tibialis anterior (TA)). The dependent variables were EMG activity (% MVC) and subjective discomfort rating. When wearing the CEX, the UT, ES, RF, and TA showed lower muscle activities at low working heights (40-80 cm) than not wearing the CEX, whereas those muscles showed higher muscle activities at high working heights (100-140 cm). Use of the CEX had a positive effect on subjective discomfort rating at lower working heights. Generally, lower discomfort was reported at working heights below 100 cm when using the CEX. At working heights of 100-140 cm, the muscle activity when wearing the CEX tended to be greater than when not wearing it. Thus, considering the results of this study, the use of the lower-limb exoskeleton (CEX) at a working height of 40-100 cm might reduce the muscle activity and discomfort of whole body and decrease the risk of related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ku Kong
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Chae-Won Park
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Min-Uk Cho
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Seoung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Min-Jung Kim
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Dong Jin Hyun
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Kihyeon Bae
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Jong Kyu Choi
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Sang Min Ko
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Kyeong-Hee Choi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-290-7629
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12
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Steinhilber B, Luger T, Schwenkreis P, Middeldorf S, Bork H, Mann B, von Glinski A, Schildhauer TA, Weiler S, Schmauder M, Heinrich K, Winter G, Schnalke G, Frener P, Schick R, Wischniewski S, Jäger M. The use of exoskeletons in the occupational context for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal complaints. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2020; 8:132-144. [PMID: 33140996 DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2020.1844344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This guideline includes 20 recommendations and four key statements that achieved consensus or strong consensus regarding the application of exoskeletons in the workplace for the prevention of musculoskeletal complaints and diseases, the general use and implementation of exoskeletons, and recommendations for risk assessment. The guideline is intended for company physicians, occupational physicians, ergonomists, occupational safety specialists, and employers, and serves as information for all other actors in practical occupational safety. Due to the lack of evidence from the scientific literature, the recommendations and key statements are the result of expert discussions that were conducted at a consensus conference in accordance with the Regulations of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany, moderated by an external consultant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Steinhilber
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tessy Luger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Schwenkreis
- Neurological University Hospital, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil GmbH, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Middeldorf
- Centre for Orthopaedics, Schön Clinic Bad Staffelstein, Bad Staffelstein, Germany
| | - Hartmut Bork
- St. Josef-Stift Sendenhorst Hospital for Orthopaedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Sendenhorst, Germany
| | - Bernhard Mann
- Institute for Sociology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Koblenz-Metternich, Germany
| | - Alexander von Glinski
- Surgical University Hospital and Polyclinic, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas A Schildhauer
- Surgical University Hospital and Polyclinic, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Martin Schmauder
- Institute of Material Handling and Industrial Engineering, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kai Heinrich
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Gabriele Winter
- (BG) German Social Accident Insurance Institution for Commercial Transport, Postal Logistics and Telecommunication, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schnalke
- Outpatient Rehabilitation Center Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Peter Frener
- (BG) German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Woodworking and Metalworking Industries, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralf Schick
- (BG) German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Trade and Logistics Industry, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Jäger
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund University of Technology, Dortmund, Germany
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