Understanding the drivers of and barriers to adopting passive back- and arm-support exoskeletons in construction: Results from interviews and short-term field testing

Abstract

Construction workers experience high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), particularly affecting the back and shoulders. Exoskeletons (EXOs), including arm-support (ASEs) and back-support (BSEs) devices, have clear potential as ergonomic interventions for reducing WMSD risks, yet the specific benefits and limitations in the construction industry remain largely unclear. We aimed to identify drivers and barriers to adopting EXOs in construction, which was done using a two-phase approach: an interview study involving 24 construction stakeholders, followed by a field study with 22 construction workers. Participants in the interview study had hands-on experiences with diverse EXOs, then provided feedback on initial impressions, perceived barriers, and potential benefits of EXO use. Interview recordings were analyzed for sentiment, systematically categorizing responses as positive, neutral, and negative. During the field study, workers wore EXOs while performing their job tasks for up to 1 h, then completed structured exit surveys that assessed usability, comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction. We found a generally positive view of EXO technology in construction, with stakeholders open to adoption for enhancing productivity and reducing physical demands. However, usability, safety, and social acceptance concerns indicated a need for design improvements focused on comfort and compatibility. Notably, safety concerns expressed by interviewees contrasted with positive field study responses, suggesting that the input obtained can vary between assessment conditions. Future research should include longitudinal studies to track shifts in perception and assess diverse designs. These findings highlight the need for refined EXOs to meet construction demands and support broader industry adoption.