Design Summary_Analysis Final

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In the web article, “Where’s my supersuit?” Zelik (2019) focuses on the understanding and benefits of implementing exoskeletons around the world, which includes “to keep the workers safe and reduce the fatigue of physically demanding jobs.” Zelik is interested to see how exoskeleton can be commonly used in public just like smartphones instead of being in the research lab. The article states that the pioneer badge of exoskeleton approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been used to assist worker’s safety aspect and physical aspect. The article provides in-depth information on how exoskeleton could help solve complex low back pain issues, support ankle muscles, prevent neck fatigue, provide motorised assistance and also teach proper lifting techniques. Zelik hopes that the exoskeleton will be commonly used for individual and social benefits.

Exoskeleton suit is very beneficial such that it helps to reduce arm fatigues and provide great assistance to individuals recovering from stroke.

One of the benefits of exoskeleton suit is it helps to reduce arm fatigue. Looze et al. (2015) stated that “Muscle suits” have been designed and utilised to help manual workers who have Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSDs). According to the article, the suit covers the thighs, trunk and upper body parts that consist of the three joints which are the waist, shoulder and elbow. A mechanism of 4 degrees of freedom is designed to allow three orthogonal axes of rotation and transversal sliding centre of rotation. The suit helps to support the flexion of the shoulder, elbow, and trunk in the longitudinal plane. Zelik also shows that the suit has a positive effect for muscles in the upper body such that it reduces the muscle activity for dynamic lifting in the range of "20–35%" and holding a weight above the head in the range of "30–70%". The results shown in the article shows that "Muscle suits" have great benefit in reducing the physical load on the shoulder and arms for work activities such as dynamic lifting and carrying.

Another benefit of the exoskeleton suit is it provides great assistance to individuals recovering from stroke. Iqbal and Baizid (2015) stated that robot-assisted therapies have great benefits in terms of “accuracy, precision and repeatability.” Based on the article, the idea of having robot-assisted therapies can create rehabilitation exercises to become more engaging and they would replace manual therapies in the years to come. The article also stated that the clinical results obtained from stroke patients with the aid of robot-assisted therapies are positive. Exoskeleton can not only assist physiotherapists but also provide great assistance to people suffering from stroke to perform normal day to day routine and make it easier for physiologists to understand the work of the human body. As with Zelik, Iqbal and Baizid, they also stated that exoskeleton faces feasibility problems. For example, actuators can affect the ergonomic structure of the exoskeleton as the bulky structure may be harmful to the “tissues of wearer’s hand” and most existing exoskeleton have limited design specification because of mechatronics limitation.

In conclusion, there is still room for improvement for exoskeleton as the benefits weigh more than the challenges. In years to come, the advancement of technology will definitely help solve the exoskeleton development issues and eventually make exoskeleton be commonly used.

References:
Iqbal, J. I. A. K., & Baizid, K. (n.d.). Stroke rehabilitation using exoskeleton- | Biomedical Research. Retrieved March 22, 2020, from https://www.biomedres.info/biomedical-research/stroke-rehabilitation-using-exoskeletonbased-robotic-exercisersmini-review.html

Looze et al. (2015, October 7). Exoskeletons for industrial application and their potential effects on physical work load. Retrieved from 


Zelik, K. (2019, April 24). It’s 2019 – where’s my supersuit? Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/its-2019-wheres-my-supersuit-115679

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