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Biomechanical aspects of exoskeletons
Biomechanics plays a central role in the development and use of exoskeletons. It forms the basis for optimising the interaction between humans and technology by taking into account natural movement sequences and specifically reducing the strain on joints and muscles. Exoskeletons are therefore increasingly being used as a key technology for improving working conditions and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. This article examines the biomechanical principles underlying the development and use of exoskeletons. Application of exoskeletons and highlights the advantages and challenges of this technology.
The most important facts in brief
- Biomechanics as a basis: Exoskeletons support natural movement sequences and specifically reduce the strain on joints and muscles.
- Physical human-technology interfaces: Optimum fit and pressure distribution are crucial for comfort and effectiveness.
- Support for muscle and joint strain: Passive and active systems reduce torque and muscle strain during lifting and overhead work.
- Simulation as a development tool: Musculoskeletal models and digital human models save time and resources in development.
- Applications: In the Industry exoskeletons significantly reduce the strain of lifting, carrying and overhead work.
What does biomechanics mean for exoskeletons?
Biomechanics deals with the mechanical properties and movement sequences of the human body. In exoskeleton development, it serves to reduce the load on joints and muscles, prevent incorrect loading and support natural movements. Exoskeletons distribute mechanical forces to the affected areas of the body and thus relieve the strain on specific muscle groups. This is made possible by precise adaptation to the user's anatomy and movement dynamics.
Biomechanical findings help to design exoskeletons in such a way that they efficiently support different user groups. One example of this is the use of musculoskeletal simulation models, which can be used to precisely analyse the effect of forces and moments on joints (ZWF, 2023). These models provide the basis for ergonomically optimised designs and reduce the risk of work-related illnesses.
Biomechanical interfaces: Human and exoskeleton
The physical human-machine interfaces (pHMI) are crucial for the functionality and acceptance of exoskeletons. Pressure distribution and fit not only influence wearer comfort, but also biomechanical effectiveness. Sensors can measure the interaction forces between humans and exoskeletons, allowing pressure points and uneven loads to be recognised and avoided (Linnenberg, 2024).
However, there are still challenges, such as the limitations of current measurement methods, which often only record normal pressures but not lateral forces. Advances such as the integration of near-infrared spectroscopy in combination with kinetic measurements could provide a remedy in the future. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive method based on the measurement of light absorption behaviour in tissue and helps to detect local changes in oxygen saturation and blood volume in soft tissue. In combination with kinetic measurements that record forces and pressure distributions at the contact points between the human and the exoskeleton, detailed analyses can be carried out on the stress and deformation of the tissue caused by exoskeletons (Tröster, 2024).
In practical terms, this means that pressure points can be avoided, significantly increasing wearer comfort and safety. This makes it possible not only to evaluate the mechanical loads, but also to understand the body's physiological reactions to the use of an exoskeleton. In addition, such measurement methods support the further development of exoskeletons towards user-centred and more effective systems.
Reduction of muscle and joint strain
Exoskeletons can significantly reduce muscle and joint strain by providing external torques and thus reducing the forces to be applied by the body. This is particularly important for lifting and overhead work, where the mechanical load on Back and shoulders is particularly high (Auxivo, 2023).
Passive exoskeletons use mechanical elements such as springs to compensate for gravity, while active systems use motors to provide additional support. Both approaches have their advantages: Passive systems are lighter, cheaper and easier to handle, while active exoskeletons offer greater flexibility and performance (Auxivo, 2023). Studies show that passive exoskeletons can reduce peak back muscle activity by up to 21 % when lifting loads (Auxivo, 2023).
How simulations improve development
Biomechanical simulations are a key tool in the development of exoskeletons. They make it possible to test different support profiles of an exoskeleton before cost-intensive field studies are carried out. Musculoskeletal models such as the AnyBody Modelling System can be used to analyse joint loads and muscle activation (ZWF, 2023; Tröster, 2024).
The AnyBody Modelling System is a musculoskeletal simulation tool that enables detailed analyses of muscle forces, joint loads and movement sequences. By simulating different movement patterns, developers can precisely predict the effects of exoskeletons on the human body and adapt the design accordingly. This allows biomechanical parameters to be analysed as early as the design and evaluation phase, which ultimately saves time and resources.
Applications and practical examples
Exoskeletons are primarily used in industrial applications, where they are used for repetitive and stress-intensive tasks such as lifting, carrying or overhead work. Products such as the Ottobock Back X or the Auxivo LiftSuit 2.0 are ideal for back support during lifting activities by minimising the strain on the spine. In the area of overhead work, the Ottobock Shoulder effective support to reduce muscle activity in the shoulder region. Practical examples show that textile exoskeletons such as the Paexo Soft Back can reduce the strain on the back muscles by up to 20 % (Auxivo, 2023).
Advantages and challenges of using exoskeletons
The advantages of exoskeletons are obvious HandThey improve ergonomics, reduce physical strain and prevent work-related illnesses such as musculoskeletal complaints. Products such as the Chairless Chair 2.0 facilitate work tasks in a semi-sitting position and thus protect the leg and back muscles. Nevertheless, there are challenges, including the high costs of implementation and maintenance as well as the lack of standards and legal framework conditions. User acceptance depends largely on the comfort and freedom of movement of the systems (ZWF, 2021). Products such as the Paexo Neck, which are specifically designed for comfort and ease of use, help to increase this acceptance.
What does this mean for users?
For users, exoskeletons provide noticeable relief for stressed areas of the body such as the back, shoulders and back. Neck. With back exoskeletons such as the Rakunie Back Support loads can be effectively reduced, while the Paexo Thumb and the Paexo Wrist are designed for delicate work on the hand and wrist. They increase the efficiency of physically intensive activities and contribute to a long-term reduction in sickness-related absences. At the same time, they increase the attractiveness of workplaces through improved working conditions and ergonomic design (Linnenberg, 2024).
Conclusion
In the development and use of exoskeletons, biomechanical findings help to support natural movements, reduce strain and optimise the interaction between humans and technology. Simulations and digital models play a key role in speeding up development processes and conserving resources. Despite the challenges of implementation, exoskeletons offer significant benefits in terms of ergonomics and efficiency in the workplace. Products such as the Auxivo CarrySuit or the Paexo Cool Sleeve illustrate how this technology can permanently change the world of work and contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
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