Assessment of an arm-support exoskeleton on physical demands, task performance, and usability during simulated agricultural tasks.
This study demonstrates the potential of arm-support exoskeletons to reduce shoulder strain in overhead agricultural work, which could help address the high rate of musculoskeletal disorders in this industry.
The findings provide valuable guidance for developing targeted exoskeleton interventions to improve agricultural worker health and safety.
College of Health researcher(s)
Highlights
- Exoskeletons have been introduced in industry as part of work-related interventions.
- In simulated agricultural tasks, an arm-support exoskeleton was evaluated.
- Upper extremity muscle activity decreased at work heights that required arm elevation.
- Potential adverse effects exist on other body parts and productivity.
Abstract
This laboratory-based study aimed to determine whether an arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) would be an effective intervention to reduce the physical strain associated with manual agricultural work. Twenty-four (gender-balanced) participants performed pruning and harvesting tasks (at four different heights: knee, elbow, shoulder, and overhead), lifting/lowering, and Timed Up & Go (TUG) tasks with and without an ASE. During these tasks, muscle activity (in the upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps brachii, and erector spinae), task completion time, perceived exertion, and usability were assessed. The results indicated a significant reduction (31.7%–60.2%) in muscle activity, particularly in the upper trapezius and anterior deltoid, when using the ASE during tasks at shoulder work height or above. However, there was an observed increase in muscle strain in the erector spinae, suggesting potential risk to the lower back. Given these findings, a more rigorous evaluation of ASEs in agricultural tasks should be pursued before implementing exoskeletons in agricultural tasks to avoid unintended health hazards.
Relevance to industry
A relatively new application of exoskeleton technology, extensively studied in fields like rehabilitation, manufacturing, and the military, is its use in agriculture. This study details the physical requirements of specific tasks to offer insights into the challenges that exoskeleton technologies for agriculture may encounter.