Subjective Perception of Shoulder Support Exoskeleton at Groupe PSA

Abstract

The emerging Industrial Exoskeleton Technology (IET) adoption in industry requires an assessment of its long duration impact. We present the subjective assessment of the shoulder support exoskeleton (Levitate AIRFRAME) at Groupe PSA Vigo factory by setting-up evaluation phases in the assembly line under industrial conditions. These phases are the preliminary-term [28 workers, 14 h], short-term [8 workers 75 h] and the medium-term [11 workers, 240 h]. We continuously monitored the workers and gradually increased the usage time until full autonomy was achieved for full shift. We discovered that searching the initial static fit of the exoskeleton is a non-trivial task. In addition, we noted that the usability and reliability aspects which were absent in preliminary-term and short-term testing are influential in medium-term testing such as body temperature elevation and exoskeleton mechanical wear and tear. Finally, we observed the gradual decrease in the exoskeleton usage among workers contrary to our hypothesis.