Development and Evaluation of a Passive Upper Limb Exoskeleton System for Overhead Operations

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have become a significant health concern, impacting the healthy and efficiency of workers. The advent of exoskeleton robotic technology offers a potential solution to enhance human physical performance and reduce muscle fatigue. In this study, we develop a passive upper limb exoskeleton designed to assist during overhead tasks. The passive structure, employing a constant force spring, is devised based on the motion analysis. Design parameters are optimized with respect to the specific requirements of overhead tasks, leading to the development of a prototype exoskeleton. An experimental platform is also constructed to assess the performance of the system. Results demonstrate a considerable reduction in muscle activation intensity, indicating that the system effectively provides adequate assistance during several overhead scenarios.