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Exoskeletons and Women: A Laboratory Study of Usability of Passive Occupational Exoskeletons for Women

Haning, Samantha L.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3758-8253
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1574684762383073

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Engineering and Technology).
The purpose of this study was to analyze whether passive occupational exoskeletons could help to reduce energy expenditure for simulated work tasks among women. Results indicated that wearing exoskeletons decreased the ratio of perceived exertion (RPE) over time compared to RPE levels while not wearing an exoskeleton for drilling and lifting tasks. Heart rate was significantly reduced in the drilling task but not in the lifting task. Participants reported specific aspects of exoskeletons to be improved, including strap length, chest fasteners, and weight of the suits. While participants agreed that exoskeletons were helpful when performing tasks in a laboratory environment, most felt the exoskeletons require design modifications to better suit women. Recommendations of this study include a larger lab study, using multiple other kinds of exoskeletons and a greater age range, to expand upon the findings from this paper.
Diana Schwerha, Dr. (Advisor)
Dale Masel, Dr. (Committee Member)
Tim Ryan, Dr. (Committee Member)
Gary Weckman, Dr. (Committee Member)
73 p.
Engineering; Gender
women; exoskeletons; usability; recommendations

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Haning, S. L. (2019). Exoskeletons and Women: A Laboratory Study of Usability of Passive Occupational Exoskeletons for Women [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1574684762383073

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Haning, Samantha. Exoskeletons and Women: A Laboratory Study of Usability of Passive Occupational Exoskeletons for Women. 2019. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1574684762383073.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Haning, Samantha. "Exoskeletons and Women: A Laboratory Study of Usability of Passive Occupational Exoskeletons for Women." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1574684762383073

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1574684762383073
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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.