Comparative analysis of cognitive load associated with passive and active back-support exoskeleton use for...

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• Exoskeletons may reduce workplace injuries but can increase cognitive load.
• Limited research compares active and passive back-support exoskeletons in construction tasks using EEG theta waves.
• This study investigates cognitive load differences between active and passive exoskeletons during framing tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare the cognitive load of active and passive back-support exoskeletons versus a no-exoskeleton baseline.
• To utilize electroencephalogram (EEG) theta brainwave activity as a measure of cognitive load.
• To evaluate cognitive load during construction framing tasks.

Main Methods:

• A within-subjects experimental design.
• Participants performed carpentry framing tasks under three randomized conditions: no exoskeleton, passive exoskeleton, and active exoskeleton.
• EEG theta activity and NASA TLX subjective evaluations were recorded.

Main Results:

• Both exoskeletons significantly increased cognitive load compared to baseline.
• The active exoskeleton elevated cognitive load in the central sulcus, impacting motor control and cognitive processing.
• The passive exoskeleton increased frontal lobe load, suggesting working memory depletion, and led to user frustration.

Conclusions:

• Both active and passive exoskeletons increase cognitive load in construction framing tasks.
• Active exoskeletons more significantly impact motor control and cognitive processing.
• Findings inform exoskeleton selection in construction ergonomics and guide future research.