Enhancing Arm-Support Exoskeleton Design for Improved Agricultural Efficiency: Investigating Optimal Support Angles

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent occupational diseases, particularly in agriculture. Occupational exoskeletons, such as arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs), have emerged as a promising solution to mitigate physical demands and reduce the incidence of MSDs. Despite evidence supporting the general benefits of exoskeletons, there is limited research on how specific design features, like support angles, impact their effectiveness. This lab-based study examined how different support angles affect ASE effectiveness during simulated agricultural tasks. The effects of a prototyped ASE were evaluated in terms of muscle activity, perceived exertion and discomfort, and task performance. Results indicated that higher support angles decrease muscle activity in specific muscle groups (i.e., anterior deltoid and biceps brachii) but increase perceived exertion and discomfort. Future research should focus on dynamic task assessments and involve larger sample sizes to refine the optimal support angle range for ASE design, ultimately enhancing worker well-being and productivity in agriculture. This study aims to deepen the understanding of how exoskeleton design can improve occupational health and safety.