Assessments and Evaluation Methods for Upper Limb Exoskeleton - a Literature Survey

Abstract

Exoskeleton technology has gained great interests in several fields including robotics, medicine, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and military. Especially, upper-limb exoskeletons are developed aiming to increase worker’s physical ability such as stability, force and power production and reduce biomechanical loads, working fatigue, which relieves overexertion risk. Extensive research has been conducted to assess existing and newly proposed exoskeletons, but they still have trade-off and user convenience issues to resolve. Therefore, the primary purpose of this paper is to review classification of the upper-limb exoskeletons and functional assessment, particularly regarding the complex interactions between human and exoskeleton. Secondly the paper is to provide insight in issues associated with the upper-limb exoskeletons. Finally, discussion on future directions for upper limb exoskeleton development and assessment is presented.