Design Summary and Analysis (Final draft)

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.

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://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1729881417743554

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