Design of a Passive Assistive Exoskeleton for Improving Overall Worker Productivity in Industries

Abstract

The purpose of this paper has been to study and implement the design of a passive exoskeleton, specifically developed for industrial use and assess the potential effect of this exoskeleton on the reduction of physical loading on the body. The exoskeleton is a device with a clamp incorporated for mounting and transmission of forces onto the support. The proposed exoskeleton in the study uses only a passive mechanism to assist industrial workers. The unit was designed to assist industrial workers by reducing the carrying load of an object, weighing up to 500 N. This mechanical unit uses a sophisticated spring mechanism to divide the load and transmit it to the waist and within the chassis. The design consisted of a gravity compensation mechanism, i.e. 4-bar mechanism and springs to assist the motion. Exoskeleton designs, excluding hydraulic and electrical systems, use purely mechanical systems. Therefore, the entire system designed is simple, lightweight, inexpensive and easy to assemble. The target users are industrial workers, and hence, cost is the determining factor for this prototype. The material chosen was steel, which saves money, but also increases the effectiveness of the exoskeleton. Analysis was performed using software to ensure durability and functionality of the exoskeleton, and this could be further improved using finite element analysis.