An improved Design of an upper limb Exoskeleton for overhead tasks

Abstract

Over the last years, assistive devices have been attractive to manufacturers as a means to improve the productivity of their workers. Among them, upper limb exoskeletons are considered of great interest since they can relieve the load from workers constantly involved in overhead tasks and activities that can cause severe work-related muscoloskeletal disorders which lead to multiple health leave days [1]. Extended research on the topic is still ongoing and major improvements are needed in terms of ergonomics, weight and efficiency. The aim of this work is to propose a novel upper-limb exoskeleton design and test its effects on the metabolic activity of a person while performing overhead work.