Technical field-evaluation of exoskeleton-assisted overhead work among carpenters

IF 3.4 2区工程技术 Q2 ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL

Applied Ergonomics Pub Date : 2025-07-08 DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104582

Mikkel Brandt , Sandra Schade Jacobsen , Sebastian Skals , Ika Nimb , Jeppe Z.N. Ajslev , Emil Sundstrup , Lars L. Andersen , Markus Due Jakobsen

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Abstract

Carpenters in construction commonly perform overhead work tasks such as installing ceiling panels, plastering, and formwork. While laboratory studies suggest exoskeletons may reduce strain during such work, their effectiveness in real-life conditions remains uncertain. This randomized cross-over field study investigates the effects of a passive shoulder exoskeleton on muscle activity and kinematics in 20 carpenters during overhead work tasks. Results showed reduced peak muscle activity (nEMG) in the shoulders and forearms (−3.1 to −9.4 %), but increased activity in the lower back (2.3–3.4 %) when using the exoskeleton. Kinematic analysis revealed minimal changes in range-of-motion (<3.1°) and peak joint angles. Participants reported good usability and willingness to use the exoskeleton in the future. This study demonstrates positive effects on shoulder load in real working conditions but highlights the need to consider increased low-back load when implementing exoskeletons for overhead work.

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木工外骨骼辅助架空作业的技术现场评价

建筑中的木匠通常执行架空工作任务，如安装天花板、抹灰和模板。虽然实验室研究表明外骨骼可以减轻这种工作中的压力，但它们在现实生活中的有效性仍不确定。这项随机跨领域研究调查了被动肩部外骨骼对20名木匠在架空工作任务中肌肉活动和运动学的影响。结果显示，当使用外骨骼时，肩部和前臂的峰值肌肉活动（nEMG）降低（- 3.1%至- 9.4%），但下背部的活动增加（2.3 - 3.4%）。运动学分析显示运动范围（<3.1°）和峰值关节角变化极小。参与者报告了良好的可用性和未来使用外骨骼的意愿。该研究证明了在实际工作条件下，外骨骼对肩部负荷的积极影响，但强调了在使用外骨骼进行架空工作时，需要考虑增加下背部负荷。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Applied Ergonomics 工程技术-工程：工业

CiteScore

7.50

自引率

9.40%

发文量

248

审稿时长

53 days

期刊介绍： Applied Ergonomics is aimed at ergonomists and all those interested in applying ergonomics/human factors in the design, planning and management of technical and social systems at work or leisure. Readership is truly international with subscribers in over 50 countries. Professionals for whom Applied Ergonomics is of interest include: ergonomists, designers, industrial engineers, health and safety specialists, systems engineers, design engineers, organizational psychologists, occupational health specialists and human-computer interaction specialists.