Occupational exoskeletons: A roadmap toward large-scale adoption. Methodology and challenges of bringing exoskeletons to workplaces

Abstract The large-scale adoption of occupational exoskeletons (OEs) will only happen if clear evidence effectiveness the devices is available. Performing product-specific field validation studies would allow stakeholders and decision-makers (e.g., employers, ergonomists, health, safety departments) to assess OEs’ in their specific work contexts with experienced workers, who could further provide useful insights on practical issues related exoskeleton daily use. This paper reviews present-day scientific methods for assessing OEs laboratory studies, presents vision authors a roadmap that lead this technology. analysis state-of-the-art shows methodological differences between studies. While former are more extensively reported papers, they exhibit limited generalizability findings real-world scenarios. On contrary, sample sizes frequently focused subjective metrics. We propose promote knowledge-based OEs. It details costs benefits technology should be communicated all facilitate informed decision making, so each stakeholder can develop role regarding innovation. Large-scale help identify monitor possible side-effects use real situations, as well comprehensive knowledge base support revision ergonomics risk-assessment methods, standards regulations, definition guidelines practices selection