Human Gait During Level Walking With an Occupational Whole-Body Powered Exoskeleton: Not Yet a Walk in the Park

With rapid advancements in exoskeleton technologies, a whole-body powered (WB-PEXO) for augmenting human physical capacity (a “super-operator”) is generating increasing attention as an integral part of Industry 4.0. Our understanding WB-PEXO use lagging, however, largely due to the lack detailed evaluations via human-subjects testing WB-PEXO. We examined (independently from manufacturer WB-PEXO) potential impacts using state-of-the-art prototype (pre-alpha version Sarcos Guardian ® XO ) on users ( n=5) during common basic activity workplace, level walking. emphasis “human”, (compared no EXO baseline) were assessed terms lower limb intersegmental coordination, muscle activity, and postural dynamic stability. A larger variance between participants was observed coordination with use, appeared rely more hip motions. When XO, exhibited higher levels groups monitored. Further, there moderate high similarity profiles conditions R XY (?)=0.70-0.92), yet when generally time-lagged those without XO. discuss results within context developing mental model walking aspects human-robot interaction such transparency user state intention. In concluding, we outline several future research topics occupational development.