The evolution of workplace safety technology continues to advance, with notable innovations aimed at mitigating physical strain on workers. A groundbreaking project at the University of Michigan has introduced the concept of knee exoskeletons, designed with commercial knee braces and drone propulsion systems. This novel technology possesses the potential to combat fatigue during lifting and carrying tasks, ultimately promoting safer working practices in physically demanding industries like construction and manufacturing. A recent study published in the journal *Science Robotics* highlights the significant effects of these knee exoskeletons in enhancing worker productivity and safeguarding against injuries.
Historically, workers in various labor-intensive jobs have relied on back braces to provide support during lifting tasks. However, these devices often do more harm than good by encouraging poor posture, which increases the risk of back injuries. The new knee exoskeletons diverge from this conventional approach by focusing on the quadriceps, the key muscles responsible for stabilizing the body during safe squat lifts. Robert Gregg, a professor of robotics at the University of Michigan and corresponding author of the study, emphasizes that this method signifies a shift from the prevalent trend in safety equipment, which tends to place undue emphasis on the back.
In practical applications, a group of study participants was tasked with performing various lifting exercises using a 20-pound kettlebell. These tasks included lifting the kettlebell from the ground, carrying it across flat terrain, and navigating inclines and stairs. The results were revelatory. Participants exhibited improved posture throughout the activities, and after experiencing fatigue, their performance remained notably consistent while wearing the exoskeleton—only 1% slower than their initial pace compared to a staggering 44% drop in performance without the assistive device.
Nikhil Divekar, a postdoc in robotics and the lead author of the study, notes the significance of maintaining proper posture, especially for workers required to keep pace with machinery, such as conveyor belts. The risk of injury increases dramatically when fatigue sets in, causing individuals to compromise their lifting technique.
Aside from physical performance metrics, user satisfaction plays a critical role in evaluating the effectiveness of the knee exoskeletons. Feedback from participants indicated a generally positive experience, with many expressing considerable satisfaction—barring their experience while walking on flat ground, which yielded mixed reviews. This divergence in user sentiment can be attributed to the relatively low demand on the quadriceps during simpler tasks, necessitating only minimal assistance from the exoskeleton.
A defining feature of these knee exoskeletons lies in their sophisticated motor systems, which are engineered to enhance usability. The innovative design allows for seamless movement, closely mimicking the natural gait of the user. Advanced software plays a pivotal role in the device’s functionality by accurately predicting the support needed based on real-time assessments of the knee joint’s angles, alongside the positions of the thigh and lower leg via sensors in the user’s shoes. This sophisticated analysis occurs at lightning speed—150 times per second—allowing for adaptive responses to changes in user movements.
This capability is a substantial improvement over traditional exoskeleton systems that operate under fixed patterns, susceptible to confusion during task transitions. Robert Gregg elaborates that a rigid system could misinterpret the user’s intentions, which would impose significant safety risks during operations like descending stairs when the device erroneously continues to expect the upward motion.
While the current prototypes of these knee exoskeletons are relatively expensive, estimated at around $4,000 per pair, there is optimism concerning their scalability. With mass production, the anticipated price point could drop to roughly $2,000 per pair, significantly broadening accessibility for industries that would benefit from enhanced worker safety.
The research team is not simply resting on the success of their study; they have pursued patent protection and are actively seeking partners to commercialize this promising technology. The potential for knee exoskeletons to transform occupational safety protocols is immense, marking a critical evolution in how industries can protect their workforce from the rigors of physical labor. As advancements continue, the practical implementation of these devices may pave the way for a safer and more productive future in lifting-intensive occupations.