User-Centered Back-Support Exoskeleton: Design and Prototyping

Exhausting manual labor is still predominant in the industrial context. It typically consists manipulating heavy parts or working nonergonomic conditions. The resulting work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major problem to tackle. most-affected body section lumbar spine. Recently, exoskeletons have been identified as possible non-invasive solution reduce impact of low-back pain. State-of-the-art prototypes optimized to: follow unconstrained human kinematics, (partially) relieve load on assisted joints, and allow anthropometric adaptation. Yet, this technology has limited adoption. Manufacturing optimization may address following limitations: bulky/heavy designs, complex assembly maintenance, high manufacturing costs, long procedures for adaptation wearing, psychological effects (e.g., cognitive usability). In contribution, aforementioned issues tackled improving previous exoskeleton prototype. particular, kinematic analysis, Finite-Element-Method, topological combined obtain lightweight prototype, testing different materials (Nylon, carbon-fiber reinforced PC/ABS, etc.).We applied both Design Assembly Manufacturability. prototype described paper, ready end-user field tests