Easier working with arms held up with an exoskeleton
Objectives
In Finland, 9% of the workforce works more than 1–2 hours a day with their arms held at the shoulder level or above. Installation work, painting and work tasks in the construction, automobile and metal industries are typically carried out with arms in an elevated position. Other professionals, such as dentists and hairdressers, are also engaged in work with their arms raised. Working with your arms in an elevated position is connected to neck and shoulder problems. Working while holding upper arms at an angle of more than 90° increases the risk of shoulder impingement syndrome even if the work is done for less than an hour a day.
Manufacturers of exoskeletons, i.e. external skeletons, recommend the device as an effective tool for lightening the workload. So far, measured data on the effects of their use are extremely limited. According to subjective estimates, they have positive effects, but due to their weight, for example, they can also have a negative impact.
The aim of this study is to find out how the external skeletons affect stress at work. If the results are positive, an exoskeleton can be a modern, simple and easy to use method to reduce stress on upper limbs and the upper body.
Funding
The Finnish Work Environment Fund, The Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries RT, Ramirent Finland Oy, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Data and methods
The Easier working with arms held up with an exoskeleton (2020–2021) project combines standardized laboratory research with field research and testing the results in authentic work settings.
Results and impact
Based on the results, an evaluation tool will be created, which will enable an assessment of when and in what types of jobs the use of exoskeletons is justified. Co-operation with industrial workplaces will contribute to the implementation of the recommendations and the methodology.
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