Publications / 2024 Proceedings of the 41st ISARC, Lille, France

Experimental Evaluation of Exoskeletons for Rebar Workers Using a Realistic Controlled Test

Malcolm Dunson-Todd, Mazdak Nik-Bakht, Amin Hammad
Pages 513-520 (2024 Proceedings of the 41st ISARC, Lille, France, ISBN 978-0-6458322-1-1, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

Workers in the construction industry are exposed to the risk factors of high forces, repetitive tasks, and awkward postures, and consequently suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Occupational exoskeletons (OEs) are promising interventions to reduce WMSD rates in the construction trades. Previous work has evaluated the efficacy of OEs in controlled laboratory conditions and semi-realistic test courses; however, there are no standard evaluation methods for the construction industry. Standardizing the methods for evaluating and comparing the efficacy of OEs for construction workers is essential for the adoption of effective OEs in the construction industry. Toward this goal, a realistic, controlled, and repeatable test was implemented to evaluate the efficacy of back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) for the trade of rebar installation. The test was implemented at a steel trades school where nine experienced student participants performed the test course with and without wearing an OE. Objective effects on lower-back muscle activity and subjective effects on discomfort, effectiveness, obstruction, and usability were measured. The study demonstrates the initial implementation of the test, and the results show objective and subjective evidence that the OE reduces loads in the lower back during realistic rebar installation tasks.

Keywords: Occupational Exoskeleton, Construction, Standard Testing