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 did not elaborate 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 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
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978915003054
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