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 can be considered an advancement that enables individuals with muscular injuries to be fitted with injury-specific solutions for personal mobility. However, the writer fails to demonstrate 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 major physiological repercussions in the current commercial version.
First of all, although exoskeleton relieves some muscle groups, it may pose a health risk to the joints required to work harder to compensate. According to Rashedi et al (2014), the benefits induced by this device did not appear without broader physiological consequences, such as increased antagonist muscle activity in the joint.” Also, the user may experience significant discomfort if the exoskeleton not carefully designed. As stated by Ulrey and Fathallah (2013), Limitation of discomfort is a challenge in the design of exoskeletons, and might be a big issue standing in the way of wide application in the industrial field. Even a minimal level of discomfort might hinder user's acceptance. Hence, 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 user to use.
Furthermore, safety requirements and protective measures are essential for industrial exoskeleton in periods of routine use, malfunction incidents and emergency events in order to accomodate 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. This statement is reinforced by Sullivan (2015), after a comprehensive search of potential usable standards was conducted, it appeared that no safety standard exists for an industrial exoskeleton.
Lastly, in order to bridge the gap between technology developers and technology users, it 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.
In conclusion, the exoskeleton may not be ready to be inducted in the commercial market as more assessments need to be conducted to improve the reliability and safety of the exoskeleton.
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
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
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