Analysis of Exoskeleton Introduction in Industrial Reality: Main Issues and EAWS Risk Assessment

Exoskeletons are part of the technological and organizational innovation sought by the fourth industrial revolution to support and re-launch the manufacturing area. In the present study, we described the experimental protocol designed to test the usability and acceptance of an upper limbs passive exoskeleton. In total, 42 workers from FCA plants volunteered to participate in the research study. The testing campaign included static and dynamic tests aimed at evaluating the potential benefit of the exoskeleton (lessen muscle strain, higher comfort rating and dexterity) vs. possible restrictions to movements and workdevice interactions in tasks resembling work activities. Open questions remain on how to assess the biomechanical workload risk, especially in the design phase, for which holistic methods like EAWS are needed.