Active Arm-Support Industrial Exoskeleton to Reduce Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs)

Project Summary/Abstract The proposed project focuses on creating an active assistance arm-support exoskeleton to reduce work- related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in careers requiring manual labor. Significance: WRMSDs are highly prevalent and costly in industrialized countries, causing the sufferers significant personal, social, and economic pain. The majority of these ailments occur in the upper body (arms, back and neck regions). The main objective of industrial exoskeletons is to aid workers by reducing the physical fatigue, discomfort, and overuse injuries caused by performing repetitive overhead and lifting motions. The current generation of passive industrial, upper-body exoskeleton store energy mechanically by loading a spring during the arm descending phase. This action impedes the user's normal motion and shifts energy expenditure rather than supplement it. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the creation of an intelligent, active exoskeleton can eliminate this shortcoming and improve user satisfaction by providing more lifting assistance dynamically on demand. Specific Aims: In Phase I the following aims are proposed: 1) Perform pilot data collection, 2) Develop Active Industrial exoskeleton prototype with user intent control, and 3) Evaluate system performance and validate safety.