Palletising Support in Intralogistics: The Effect of a Passive Exoskeleton on Workload and Task Difficulty Considering Handling and Comfort

In logistical processes such as palletising and order picking, musculoskeletal disorders increase. As part of the INNOVATIONSLABOR research project, the latest model of a passive exoskeleton manufactured by LAEVO was investigated in a laboratory study. A final sample of N = 37 persons (73% men) from 20 to 64 years of age evaluated the exoskeleton regarding general comfort, local comfort in different body parts, handling characteristics such as adjustment possibilities, freedom of movement, efficiency, task support and task impairment with validated questionnaires. The analyses show that passive exoskeletons seem to have potential for static activities, but their wearing comfort and user handling should be further developed.