Passive exoskeletons in healthcare practice: Usability and acceptance in a clinical setting

Participants wore the exoskeleton for 312 h total (average 20 h/person across three shifts), mostly for specific tasks. All found it easy to use, but support and comfort ratings varied. Some noted improved posture and back stability; others reported discomfort and restricted movement. The mean overall rating was 2.7 ± 0.99 (German school grading). Further research is needed on long-term effects and task-specific use. A return on investment is possible if at least 18.5 sick days of a nurse per year are prevented, with purchase costs expected to drop. In settings with staff shortages, indirect effects may lower this threshold to 2.7 days.