Exoskeletons are becoming more popular in companies. But faced with the diversity of models, how do you find your way around? The AFNOR X35-800 standard and the INRS ED6531 guides recall that each device must be selected according to the needs of the station and the participation of users. Here is a clear overview of the different types of professional exoskeletons, to help SST, QVCT and HSE professionals compare the exoskeletons available and choose an exoskeleton adapted to their context.
The items listed below are provided for the purposes of understanding. At Japet, our approach is as follows: any integration of an exoskeleton must start with a job analysis, be part of a global prevention approach, and include a theoretical adequacy diagnosis before any test in real conditions.
But before we get started, let's remember that:
- The exoskeleton is used in addition to 9 general principles of prevention, when the other levers (organization, ergonomics, collective tools) are no longer sufficient to eliminate tediousness.
- The exoskeleton is part of the management of residual risk, when the adjustments of the station cannot remove all the constraints.
Passive or active exoskeletons: what is the difference?
There are two main types of operation for exoskeletons: unresponsive and asset. They are two different technological approaches, with distinct properties. One is not superior to the other: everything depends on the workstation, physical constraints and the objective sought. The exoskeleton must be adapted to the real needs of the user, and not the other way around.
One passive exoskeleton :
- We also talk about a mechanical exoskeleton because it works without a motor. It often uses springs, rubber bands, or pistons to support the body during physical efforts.
- It is the user's movement that activates these mechanical systems, which then release some of the energy in the form of assistance.
- They only assist in one specific movement.
- There are many mechanical exoskeletons on the market, in particular for Arm lift assistance, the front flexure of the trunk and The elevation of the neck.
One active exoskeleton :
- We also talk about a motorized exoskeleton. It includes a system capable of activating its assistance independently.
- The user adjusts the level of support to suit their needs.
- Active systems are found on exoskeletons for grasping the hand or even the back.
What types of exoskeletons are there in different areas of the body?
After discussing how they work, exoskeletons can also be classified according to the part of the body they assist. This approach makes it possible to make the link between the constraints of the position and the technical solution available.
In occupational health, exoskeletons are classified according to the body segments they assist. Each model is designed to relieve a particular area of the body according to the constraints of the workplace.
- 360 lumbar support : designed to support complex back movements, including when chest rotation requires lateral support.
- Trunk support during forward bending : ideal for positions where the operator frequently leans forward, with or without load. The assistance is mainly focused on the front side of the trunk.
- Shoulder support during elevation Of the arm : useful for keeping the arms at chest height or above the head for extended periods of time.
- Neck support When raising the head : designed for tasks that require a sustained look up.
- Hand support when gripping : suitable for activities that require a lot of clamping force or repetitive hand movements.
- Lower and upper limb support : recently appeared on the exoskeleton market, textile devices support body segments that previously did not have a dedicated exoskeleton (heavy legs, elbows, shoulder, shoulder, knees, wrists, etc.).
The choice of the type of exoskeleton must meet a specific need, identified by a job analysis and validated with the users.
Professional exoskeletons vs rehabilitation: what are the differences?
An industrial exoskeleton, or professional, is designed for professionals and able-bodied workers. It aims to:
- Prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs);
- To reduce the arduous nature of work;
- And possibly to keeping an employee with pain in employment.
Its use is part of an occupational health and safety approach and job adaptation. In this context, it is the company that acquires the equipment and makes it available to its employees. It is in this field that Japet Medical has specialized since 2019.
You should know that exoskeleton manufacturers can choose from several regulations to market these professional exoskeletons. This is why we find professional exoskeletons “Machine Directive” and “Medical Devices”. This CE marking is determined by the purpose of the equipment.
One rehabilitation exoskeleton, on the other hand, is intended for patients. We also sometimes talk about an exoskeleton for disability. It is used as a mobility aid for people with loss of autonomy. Its use is supervised by a medical rehabilitation protocol that aims to restore motor capacity and is monitored by a specialized care team. In this category, exoskeletons are medical devices.
Although they share common technologies, the purposes of these two families of exoskeletons are very different.
Task-centered vs human-centered exoskeletons: two complementary approaches
Among professional exoskeletons, exoskeletons are also distinguished according to their design approach.
Some are focused on the task : they respond to a problem specific to a single movement. For example, keeping your arm in the air or helping to straighten up after catching a load, or helping with repeated bends. They are often very effective, but their use is limited to a specific context.
This is opposed to exoskeletons human-centered, whose design takes into account the variability of the user's morphologies, movements and constraints throughout the day. These devices are designed to offer adapted support on multi-purpose workstations. Some manufacturers, such as Japet, design so-called “human-centered” exoskeletons, capable of accompanying the variability of human body movements. To date, Japet.W+ is the only device capable of protecting an area of the body (the lower back) in all of its movements.
In any case, job analysis and the involvement of the end user remain essential to ensure the effectiveness of the system.
Conclusion
There is no single type of exoskeleton, but a diversity of technologies, areas of action and design logics. Passive or active, focused on a task or on humans, professional or medical: each model responds to a specific work situation.
To make the right choice among the various exoskeletons, it is essential:
- to start from the field with a job analysis,
- to make a theoretical analysis of the adequacy between the equipment and your needs with the supplier,
- and to involve end users for a test of the exoskeleton in a company, in real conditions.
The exoskeleton is not a magic bullet, but a powerful support tool when it is well chosen, well integrated, and used well.
