What are occupational exoskeletons?

Exoskeletons are defined as “wearable devices that augment, enable, assist, and/or enhance physical activity through mechanical interaction with the body.” Exoskeletons are designed to be either passive, active, or mixed. Active devices use powered actuators or machine components that add energy to enhance human performance.

Passive devices use materials such as springs and dampeners that aid specific joints by storing and releasing energy. Exoskeletons can vary in the part of the body they’re designed to benefit (e.g., upper body, back, lower extremities), and the material or mechanical structures they are made of (rigid/hard or elastic/soft). Currently, these devices are being used for rehabilitation purposes and as wearable devices in the workplace to control for musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).

Read more

• What are occupational exoskeletons?
• Where do exoskeletons fit in the hierarchy of controls?
• Elements of the workplace system (I) - Worker, Task, and Device/Technology
• Elements of the workplace system (II) - Organizational Management and Environment
• The future of exoskeletons: long-term applications in the field
• Events, webinars, and resources

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We're here to help

For resources, please visit worksafebc.com/ergonomics. If you have questions about ergonomics or human factors, or need help managing the risk of MSI in your workplace, please contact us at HumanFactors@worksafebc.com