Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Training Persons with Spinal Cord Injury to Ambulate Using a Powered Exoskeleton
Published on: June 16, 2016
Facilitators and barriers to the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry
Akinwale Okunola1, Adedeji Afolabi1, Abiola Akanmu1
1Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States.
Introduction:
Active back-support exoskeletons are gaining more awareness as a solution to the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.
Method:
A literature review was conducted to gather relevant adoption factors related to exoskeleton implementation. Building on the TOE (Technology, Organization, and Environment) framework, two rounds of the survey via the Delphi technique were administered with 13 qualified industry professionals to determine the most important adoption factors using the relative importance index. Through semi-structured interviews, the professionals expressed their perspectives on the impact of active back-support exoskeletons on the construction industry.
Results:
Important factors included 18 facilitators and 21 barriers. The impact of the exoskeletons in the construction industry was categorized into expected benefits, barriers, solutions, adjustment to technology, implementation, and applicable tasks.
Conclusions:
This study identified the factors to be considered in the adoption and implementation of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry from the perspective of stakeholders. The study also elucidates the impact of active exoskeletons on construction organizations and the broader environment.
Practical Applications:
This study provides useful guidance to construction companies interested in adopting active back-support exoskeletons. Our results will also help manufacturers of active back-support exoskeletons to understand the functional requirements and adjustments required for utilization in the construction industry. Lastly, the study expands the application of the TOE framework to the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.
More Related Videos
07:30The Muscle Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for the Amplification of Intact Peripheral Nerve Signals
Published on: January 13, 2022
05:54A Rehabilitation Program of Exoskeleton-assisted Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training with Non-immersive Virtual Reality for Stroke Patients
Published on: May 16, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:20Spanning Openings in Brick Walls
Lintels are primary supports used to span openings and can be crafted from materials such as reinforced concrete, steel-reinforced brick masonry, or simple steel angles. These are straightforward to install and are typically concealed...
01:15Reinforced Brick Masonry
To fortify brick walls...
01:15Posttensioned Masonry Walls
Post-tensioned masonry walls use high-strength steel rods or flexible tendons to enhance the strength and efficiency of masonry structures. These elements are securely anchored to the foundation and extend vertically either within the cores of the masonry units or between the masonry wythes. The construction process involves building the wall with these tensioning elements in place and allowing the mortar to fully cure.
Following the curing process, the tensioning begins. Steel rods are...