Kim Sunwook, Nussbaum Maury A, Smets Marty
Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia (Dr Kim, Dr Nussbaum); Manufacturing Technology Development, Ford Motor Company, Glendale, Michigan (Mr Smets).
J Occup Environ Med. 2022 Mar 1;64(3):202-211. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002438.
Examine arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) user experience over time, identify factors contributing to ASE intention-to-use, and explore whether ASE use may influence the number of medical visits.
An 18-month, longitudinal study with ASE (n = 65) and control groups (n = 133) completed at nine automotive manufacturing facilities.
Responses to six usability questions were rather consistent over time. ASE use perceived effective in reducing physical demands on the shoulders, neck, and back. Perceived job performance, and overall fit and comfort, appeared to be key determinants for ASE intention-to-use. Based on medical visits among both groups, ASE use may decrease the likelihood of such visits.
These field results support the potential of ASEs as a beneficial ergonomic intervention, but also highlight needs for further research on ASE designs, factors driving intention-to-use, and health outcomes.
长期研究手臂支撑外骨骼（ASE）的用户体验，确定影响ASE使用意愿的因素，并探讨ASE的使用是否会影响就诊次数。
在9家汽车制造工厂进行了一项为期18个月的纵向研究，研究对象包括使用ASE的65人以及对照组的133人。
随着时间推移，对六个可用性问题的回答相当一致。使用ASE被认为能有效减轻肩部、颈部和背部的身体负担。感知到的工作表现以及整体的合身性和舒适度，似乎是ASE使用意愿的关键决定因素。基于两组的就诊情况，使用ASE可能会降低就诊的可能性。
这些实地研究结果支持了ASE作为一种有益的人体工程学干预措施的潜力，但也凸显了在ASE设计、影响使用意愿的因素以及健康结果方面进一步研究的必要性。
