Heuristic Evaluations of Back-Support, Shoulder-Support, Handgrip-Strength Support, and Sit-Stand-Support Exoskeletons Using Universal Design Principles.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSOur study evaluated four occupational exoskeletons using universal design principles, and we found that the exoskeleton design needs improvement to achieve equitable use by diverse worker sets (including disabled, older, and women workers). Assembling exoskeletons for use, donning and doffing wearable devices, and disassembling them can all be difficult because of the strength, dexterity, reach, and balance requirements of users. Workers with disabilities are likely to require additional support from another person to assemble or use these devices. Exoskeleton design can be improved to provide feedback on user actions, error prevention, and recovery. Factors such as assembly and storage space demands, training needs, additional personnel to assist users, and personalization costs could pose substantial barriers in industrial adoption.