Presentation
Model-based biomechanical evaluation of a passive back-support exoskeleton with adjustable actuator strength during simulated crab sorting tasks
DescriptionThis study evaluated the effects of various support levels of a passive back-support exoskeleton (BSE) during crab sorting tasks. Whole-body kinematics were collected using an 8-camera optical motion capture system while twenty male participants sorted mock-up crabs. A human-BSE interaction simulation framework was developed to predict muscle activity, spinal loads, and contact forces at the human-BSE interfaces based on collected kinematic data. Simulations were conducted without the BSE and with five different support levels of the BSE (i.e., 40%, 55%, 70%, 85%, and 100% of the maximum actuator strength). The results showed that increasing the BSE support level generally reduced trunk muscle activity (up to 28%) and lumbosacral reaction forces (up to 31%). However, these biomechanical benefits came at the expense of increased contact forces on the chest and thigh areas. These findings suggest that while BSE can be a potential intervention to reduce low back biomechanical loads during crab sorting, support levels should be selected carefully to balance biomechanical benefits with potential drawbacks such as local discomfort and pain.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeWednesday, October 15th1:30pm - 1:50pm CDT
LocationGrand C/D South
Occupational Ergonomics
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