Evaluation of a spring-loaded upper-limb exoskeleton in cleaning activities

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics and Occupational Health
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Work-related shoulder overuse injuries are a growing concern, leading companies to explore occupational exoskeletons.
• Previous research on upper-limb exoskeletons primarily used laboratory settings, limiting generalizability to real-world applications.
• Uncertainties remain regarding the in-field effectiveness and user acceptance of these assistive devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in-field efficacy, usability, and acceptance of a commercial spring-loaded upper-limb exoskeleton.
• To evaluate the impact of the exoskeleton on muscle activity and perceived exertion during overhead cleaning tasks.
• To provide insights into the practical application of exoskeletons in industrial and service sectors.

Main Methods:

• Field study involving cleaning professionals performing overhead tasks with and without an upper-limb exoskeleton.
• Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure shoulder and upper back muscle activity.
• Perceived exertion, usability, and acceptance were assessed using standardized questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The exoskeleton significantly reduced total shoulder muscle activity by approximately 17% and specific muscle groups (anterior deltoid, medial deltoid, upper trapezius) by 24-28%.
• Operators reported reduced global and local perceived exertion across the shoulder, arm, and back (14-22%).
• High usability and acceptance scores (average 5.5/7) indicate suitability for cleaning job activities.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence of upper-limb exoskeleton effectiveness in real-world cleaning contexts.
• The findings demonstrate significant reductions in muscle exertion and perceived effort, supporting the technology's ergonomic benefits.
• Further research is recommended to explore exoskeleton applications in diverse occupational settings for evidence-based adoption.