Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation

Effective training programs are essential for safely integrating exoskeletons (EXOs) in industrial workplaces. Since the effects of wearable systems depend highly upon their proper use, lack of training of end-users may cause adverse effects on users. We reviewed articles that incorporated training...

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Main Authors: Pranav Madhav Kuber, Ehsan Rashedi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-08-01
Series:Biomimetics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/9/520
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author Pranav Madhav Kuber
Ehsan Rashedi
author_facet Pranav Madhav Kuber
Ehsan Rashedi
author_sort Pranav Madhav Kuber
collection DOAJ
description Effective training programs are essential for safely integrating exoskeletons (EXOs) in industrial workplaces. Since the effects of wearable systems depend highly upon their proper use, lack of training of end-users may cause adverse effects on users. We reviewed articles that incorporated training and familiarization protocols to train novices on proper operation/use of EXOs. Findings showed variation in training methods that were implemented to train study participants in EXO evaluation studies. Studies also indicate that multiple (up to four) sessions may be needed for novice EXO wearers to match movement patterns of experts, and training can offer benefits in enhancing motor learning in novices. Biomechanical assessments and ergonomic evaluations can be helpful in developing EXO-specific training protocols by determining training parameters (duration/number of sessions and task difficulty). Future directions include development of personalized training approaches by assessing user behavior/performance through integration of emerging sensing technologies. Application of simulators and use of data-driven approaches for customizing training protocols to individuals, tasks, and EXO design are provided along with a comprehensive training framework. Discussed elements in this article can be helpful to exoskeleton researchers in familiarizing novice users to EXOs prior to evaluation, and to practitioners in developing protocols for training workforce.
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spelling doaj-art-3a65a4a35b7b469e8e2fc217189195622025-08-20T01:56:05ZengMDPI AGBiomimetics2313-76732024-08-019952010.3390/biomimetics9090520Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective ImplementationPranav Madhav Kuber0Ehsan Rashedi1Rochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623, USARochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623, USAEffective training programs are essential for safely integrating exoskeletons (EXOs) in industrial workplaces. Since the effects of wearable systems depend highly upon their proper use, lack of training of end-users may cause adverse effects on users. We reviewed articles that incorporated training and familiarization protocols to train novices on proper operation/use of EXOs. Findings showed variation in training methods that were implemented to train study participants in EXO evaluation studies. Studies also indicate that multiple (up to four) sessions may be needed for novice EXO wearers to match movement patterns of experts, and training can offer benefits in enhancing motor learning in novices. Biomechanical assessments and ergonomic evaluations can be helpful in developing EXO-specific training protocols by determining training parameters (duration/number of sessions and task difficulty). Future directions include development of personalized training approaches by assessing user behavior/performance through integration of emerging sensing technologies. Application of simulators and use of data-driven approaches for customizing training protocols to individuals, tasks, and EXO design are provided along with a comprehensive training framework. Discussed elements in this article can be helpful to exoskeleton researchers in familiarizing novice users to EXOs prior to evaluation, and to practitioners in developing protocols for training workforce.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/9/520wearable assistive devicesexoskeletonsmotor learningworkforce traininghuman factorsinstructional design
spellingShingle Pranav Madhav Kuber
Ehsan Rashedi
Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation
Biomimetics
wearable assistive devices
exoskeletons
motor learning
workforce training
human factors
instructional design
title Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation
title_full Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation
title_fullStr Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation
title_full_unstemmed Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation
title_short Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation
title_sort training and familiarization with industrial exoskeletons a review of considerations protocols and approaches for effective implementation
topic wearable assistive devices
exoskeletons
motor learning
workforce training
human factors
instructional design
url https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/9/520
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