D. Adam Quirk

Harvard University Press, Harvard University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

D. Adam Quirk is a rising leader in the field of wearable robotics and human factors engineering, with a focused expertise in developing and evaluating soft exosuits for occupational applications. His research centers on bridging the critical gap between assistive device functionality and real-world user adoption, particularly in physically demanding industrial settings. Quirk’s major contributions include pioneering work on active back exosuits designed to reduce injury risk during lifting and lowering tasks, where he has demonstrated that user perception—specifically comfort and usability—is a primary driver of intention-to-use in the field. His highly cited 2024 study with logistic warehouse workers (6 citations) established a direct link between positive usability perceptions and adoption, while his 2025 work on preference-based assistance optimization (6 citations) introduced a novel framework for tailoring exosuit support to individual user preferences, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. By prioritizing user-centered design and subjective experience alongside biomechanical performance, Quirk’s research is shaping the next generation of wearable robotics that are not only effective but also willingly embraced by workers, a crucial step toward widespread occupational deployment.