Physical Comfort of Occupational Exoskeletons: Influence of Static Fit on Subjective Scores

Exoskeletons come in a variety of shapes and offer different mechanism to adapt to anthropometrics of different users. However, is not always clear how to relate those regulation mechanisms and anthropometric measurement in order to obtain a proper static fit. To this end, in order to maximize kinematic compatibility, we identify a minimal set of anthropometric measurements that affect lower back exoskeleton static fit. Correspondingly, we also provide a definition of static fit specific to lower back exoskeletons. For achieving such results, we present a pilot test of our hypothesis collecting subjective physical comfort evaluation of female and male subjects. The test allows to assess - by means of a custom defined survey -the influence that a customized fit, with respect to a reference fixed fit, has on the score of constructs, regarding perceived pressure, freedom of movement and attachments’ stability.

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