In the article “It's 2019 - Where’s My Super Suit”, Zelik
(2019) writes about the significant and unique features of the exoskeleton made
by his team as well as brief descriptions of current commercial versions of
exoskeletons. The main function of an exoskeleton is to reduce the risk of
muscular injuries. However, modern designs do not appeal to the public because
they are cumbersome and costly. The writer endeavors to improve upon the modern
designs with a few distinct features. One of these features includes has a
“clothing-like” appearance that resembles a super suit consisting of vest,
short, elastic bands and a switch. Another feature allows the user to move
“freely and fully” by turning off the suit using the outfitted switch. In
addition, the lack of batteries, motors and protruding parts offers a
lightweight and seamless design. Lastly, Zelik (2019) claims that through
laboratory tests, turning on the suit reduces substantial loads on the lower
back.
The article provides several unique features of the
exoskeleton developed by his team, that enables individuals with muscular
injuries to be fitted with injury-specific solutions for personal mobility.
However, the writer did not elaborate further on the reliability and safety of his
exoskeleton which is necessary to promote the commercial opportunities and
adoption of his device in the industry, as the public remains hesitant about
exoskeletons due to physiological repercussions in the current commercial
version.
First of all, the user would not be willing to wear
exoskeleton if the design of the exoskeleton was cumbersome due to its bulky
structure as the user will experience strain and fatigue on their body which
outweighs its benefits. As stated by (Ulrey and Fathallah., 2013, as cited in
Bosch 2016), limitation of discomfort is a challenge in the design of
exoskeletons, even a modest degree of discomfort may impede the acceptance of the
consumer. Hence, a strong emphasis on design ergonomics is required to minimize
the negative repercussions the user will experience while using the exoskeleton
to ensure they are suitable and desirable for the user to use. Thus, Zelik
(2019)’s approach to incorporating a lightweight and seamless design into the
exoskeleton would, therefore, provide the user with comfort.
In addition, safety requirements and protective measures should be enforced for industrial exoskeleton in periods of routine use, malfunction
incidents and emergency events to accommodate a wearable exoskeleton for
industrial workers, as exoskeleton may cease to operate while carrying loads
and exposure to friction or pain on body parts contributes to fatigue and loss
of control. As stated by Sullivan (2015), After an extensive search of
potential functional criteria, it appears that there is no safety standard for
an industrial exoskeleton. In the event of exoskeleton failure, Zelik (2019)
could ensure the wearer’s safety by turning off the assistance using the
outfitted switch, allowing the user to move freely.
Lastly, to bridge the gap between technology developers and
users, it is desirable to understand the needs and priorities of consumers by
surveying the end-users to develop an exoskeleton that meets their
requirements. As stated by Isaksson (2017), future trends of lower-limb
exoskeletons will primarily depend on consumer responses to how the needed mass
markets will emerge. Hence, Zelik (2019) works closely with nurses and medical
professionals with low back pain to make the design more ergonomic.
In conclusion, safety and reliability remain a key factor for
the exoskeleton to be inducted into the mainstream consumer market while at the
same time providing confidence to the end-users, who will know that they are
getting exoskeleton products that are safe, reliable and perform as advertised.
Zelik (2019) is working towards his vision in making the design more ergonomic
and practical.
van Vorm, J., Nugent, R., Sullivan, L. (2015) - Safety and risk
management in designing for the life-cycle of an exoskeleton. Retrieved and
adapted from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978915003054
Zelik, K. (2019). It's 2019 - where’s
my super suit. Retrieved and adapted from https://theconversation.com/its-2019-wheres-my-supersuit-115679
Bosch, T., van Eck, J., Knitel, K.,
de Looze, M. (2016) - The effects of a passive exoskeleton on muscle activity,
discomfort and endurance time in forward bending work. Retrieved and adapted
from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26851481
Singh, B., Rafique, S., Singla, A.,
Singla, E., Isaksson, M., Singh, G. (2017) - Lower-limb exoskeletons: Research
trends and regulatory guidelines in medical and non-medical
applications. Retrieved and adapted from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978915003054