Evaluation of the Efficiency of Applying an Industrial Exoskeleton by Energy Expenditures of Volunteers

Introduction: To assess the efficiency of applying an industrial exoskeleton, it is necessary to study changes in the functional state of the human body when performing physical work using the device and, namely, the dynamics of energy expenditures. Objective: To evaluate energy expenditures when using an industrial exoskeleton in a work simulation. Materials and methods: We tested the efficiency of applying an industrial exoskeleton in work activities, including lifting, moving and holding loads, by modeling them in laboratory conditions. In doing so, 12 volunteers were divided into two groups, which alternately performed production operations with and without the exoskeleton. Their condition was assessed by means of a medical examination and ergospirometry. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistica 10.0 and MS Office Excel 2019. Results: The parameters of the cardiovascular system of the volunteers throughout the study were within the reference values and compliant with intensity of the physical activity. In the exoskeleton group, compared with the controls, we observed a statistical increase in the respiratory rate by 8 % after the first 30 minutes, by 17 % after 60 minutes, by 21 % after 90 minutes, by 12 % after 120 minutes, by 7 % after 150 minutes, and by 8 % after 180 minutes, as well as a decrease in values of the metabolic equivalent by 4 % after 60 minutes and by 6 % after 90 minutes, in the volume of inhaled oxygen by 6 % after 60 minutes and by 3 % after 90 minutes, and in the volume of exhaled carbon dioxide by 6 % after 150 minutes. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the efficiency of applying the industrial exoskeleton to reduce workers’ energy expenditures when performing production operations similar to the work activities modeled.