The design and preliminary characterization of an active back-support exoskeleton

Jordan Kolb, Niromand Jasimi Zindashti, Negar Riahi, Ali Golabchi, Mahdi Tavakoli, Hossein Rouhani

Keywords: Active back-support exoskeleton; Wearable robotics; Finite element analysis; Topology optimization

TL;DR: The design and preliminary characterization of an active back-support exoskeleton, involving FEA and topology analysis in ANSYS, with the potential to reduce lower-back loading which could in turn help lower the risk of related injuries

Abstract: A significant portion of the civilian workforce performs physically demanding jobs that involve repetitive bending down, lifting, and carrying heavy objects. One such industry is construction, where a survey indicated that 16.5% of workers experienced lower-back musculoskeletal symptoms, with cumulative low back load identified as a major risk factor. Wearable back-support exoskeletons have emerged as a potential solution for reducing risk of such injuries. This study will investigate an active back support exoskeleton design that incorporates actuators to decrease to load on workers lifting heavy objects.

Submission Number: 53