Evaluation of Active Shoulder Exoskeleton Support to Deduce Application-Oriented Optimization Potentials for Overhead Work

Sänger J, Yao Z, Schubert T, Wolf A, Molz C, Miehling J, Wartzack S, Gwosch T, Matthiesen S, Weidner R (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

Applied Sciences MDPI

Book Volume: 12

Article Number: 21

DOI: 10.3390/app122110805

Abstract

Repetitive overhead work with a heavy load increases the risk for work-related shoulder disorders. Occupational exoskeletons supporting arm elevation are potential solutions to reduce that risk by lowering the physical strains on the shoulder. Many studies have reported a reduction in shoulder stress in various overhead tasks by using such exoskeletons. However, the support demand can vary in each phase of motion as well as in each individual task. This paper presents a laboratory study with five participants to evaluate the influence of the support level of an active shoulder exoskeleton in different motion phases (e.g., arm lifting, screw-in, and arm lowering of two overhead tasks) to identify the potential optimization of support at each phase. Results show that the support level of the exoskeleton should be adapted to the motion phase of the two chosen tasks. A higher support force is desired for the screw phase compared to the arm lifting and lowering phases, and the support level needs to be reduced immediately for arm lowering after the screw phase. The time for switching the support levels can be recognized by the electric current of the screwdriver.

Authors with CRIS profile

Alexander Wolf Chair of Engineering Design Carla Hartmann Chair of Engineering Design Jörg Miehling Chair of Engineering Design Sandro Wartzack Chair of Engineering Design

Related research project(s)

Hybrid Models for the Development of Technical Systems for Direct Interaction with Humans - Units with Power Tools and Upper Body Support Systems as an Example (ExoMePT) Nov. 1, 2020 - May 30, 2023

Involved external institutions

Helmut-Schmidt-Universität - Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg DE Germany (DE) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Sänger, J., Yao, Z., Schubert, T., Wolf, A., Molz, C., Miehling, J.,... Weidner, R. (2022). Evaluation of Active Shoulder Exoskeleton Support to Deduce Application-Oriented Optimization Potentials for Overhead Work. Applied Sciences, 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/app122110805

MLA:

Sänger, Johannes, et al. "Evaluation of Active Shoulder Exoskeleton Support to Deduce Application-Oriented Optimization Potentials for Overhead Work." Applied Sciences 12 (2022).

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