Equivalent Weight: Connecting Exoskeleton Effectiveness with Ergonomic Risk during Manual Material Handling

Christian Di Natali, Giorgia Chini, Stefano Toxiri, Luigi Monica, Sara Anastasi, Francesco Draicchio, Darwin G. Caldwell and Jesús Ortiz
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Christian Di Natali: Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
Giorgia Chini: Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
Stefano Toxiri: Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
Luigi Monica: Department of Technological Innovation and Safety Equipment, INAIL, 00169 Rome, Italy
Sara Anastasi: Department of Technological Innovation and Safety Equipment, INAIL, 00169 Rome, Italy
Francesco Draicchio: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
Darwin G. Caldwell: Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
Jesús Ortiz: Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-25

Abstract: Occupational exoskeletons are becoming a concrete solution to mitigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders associated with manual material handling activities. The rationale behind this study is to search for common ground for exoskeleton evaluators to engage in dialogue with corporate Health & Safety professionals while integrating exoskeletons with their workers. This study suggests an innovative interpretation of the effect of a lower-back assistive exoskeleton and related performances that are built on the benefit delivered through reduced activation of the erector spinae musculature. We introduce the concept of “equivalent weight” as the weight perceived by the wearer, and use this to explore the apparent reduced effort needed when assisted by the exoskeleton. Therefore, thanks to this assistance, the muscles experience a lower load. The results of the experimental testing on 12 subjects suggest a beneficial effect for the back that corresponds to an apparent reduction of the lifted weight by a factor of 37.5 % (the perceived weight of the handled objects is reduced by over a third). Finally, this analytical method introduces an innovative approach to quantify the ergonomic benefit introduced by the exoskeletons’ assistance. This aims to assess the ergonomic risk to support the adoption of exoskeletons in the workplace.

Keywords: biomechanical models—spine; job risk assessment; manual material handling; spine; low back; assistive technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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