Assessing the Potential for Occupational Exoskeletons in Ohio Manufacturing Companies
Date: 2018-2020
Collaboration between Ohio University and Virginia Tech
Diana J. Schwerha, PhD, Professor, ISE, Ohio University
Nathan McNamara, BS, Graduate Student, ISE, Ohio University
Additional Websites:
www.ohio.edu/engineering/about/people/schwerha
Maury Nussbaum, PhD, CPE, H.G. Prillaman Professor, Assistant Department Head, and Graduate Program Director, ISE, Virginia Tech
Sunwook Kim, PhD, Research Scientist, ISE, Virginia Tech
Websites:
https://www.ise.vt.edu/people/faculty/nussbaum.html
https://www.ise.vt.edu/people/faculty/kim.html
This two-year field study investigated the potential for passive occupational exoskeleton use in Ohio Manufacturing companies. During Phase I, we worked with 10 companies to determine barriers to and benefits from exoskeleton use. During Phase II, we completed a field study at 5 companies where employees wore exoskeletons at their regular jobs and we measured perceived usability and musculoskeletal load.
The project was funded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
We are currently writing the manuscripts and reports and will post links when available.