An exoskeleton is an articulated strength assistance device, worn by a user with the aim of reducing his physical strains, to increase his physical capacities and thus to fight against MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders).
The introduction of this new technology in a work environment involves many changes for operators, particularly in terms of impact on their work organization, their productivity, their safety and ultimately their health.
To successfully implement such a system, it is necessary to take into account all the factors likely to facilitate its acceptance by users.
1 – The user must be involved in the deployment of the solution.
The integration of exoskeletons into the daily lives of employees must be the subject of an analysis of the need for physical assistance adapted to each position.
Each potential user must be involved from the design phase and throughout the deployment of the device.
He must be trained and be able to benefit from a familiarization phase with the new tool.
It is also important that he feels supported by his superiors and colleagues if he encounters difficulties in using the exoskeleton.
2 – The fitting of the exoskeleton must be facilitated.
One of the essential criteria for the acceptance of the exoskeleton is its ease of installation. An employee reluctant to integrate an exoskeleton into his daily life can be reassured if the tool:
is quick to learn;
is easy to use;
is easy to move;
allows it to move easily;
allows him to control and master his gestures.
3 – The use of the exoskeleton must modify performance.
If the device clearly demonstrates that it improves the user’s performance while relieving him of physical constraints, it is more likely to be well accepted.
This means that it must allow tasks to be performed faster and more efficiently. If the operator has the impression that his performance is identical with or is reduced with the exoskeleton, he may have a lot more trouble seeing the usefulness of it.
4 – The user must feel safe.
The introduction of the exoskeleton on a workstation necessarily raises the question of employee safety.
Indeed, the use of certain exoskeletons modifies ability to move and requires careful consideration of the operator’s working environment to bring about a minimum of changes in his way of working.
However, risks may still exist, such as that of injury particularly due to poor control of the tool, in the event of a system failure or a collision with another operator. Each of these risks must be analyzed and assessed to allow the employee to work in the best possible conditions and with complete peace of mind.
The user must also perceive improvements in pain (knee, back, arms, legs, etc.) felt before the integration of the exoskeleton to be convinced of its interest.
5 – The exoskeleton must not induce additional pressure.
After the habituation phase, which must be as short as possible, recourse to the use of exoskeletons must aim to facilitate the performance of difficult tasks and must in no case create additional stress for the employee.
If the employee has the feeling that his workload is increasing, that he has more pressure on deadlines or on the quantities to be produced, there is a good chance that he is reluctant to make efforts on the job. use of the exoskeleton.
6 – The exoskeleton must not create a social divide.
The social dimension is also very important in the acceptance of such equipment. Doesn’t the user risk feeling isolated? Loss of autonomy? Jealous of his colleagues who are not equipped for their workstations?
All these impacts on the psychological state of the user must be taken into account when installing the device and monitoring the success of the project.
To limit reluctance and the fear of being transformed into a “man-robot”, it is possible to go through a transition phase during which one can limit the duration of wearing the exoskeleton to only a few hours a week and target its use on the toughest jobs.
The installation of an exoskeleton in a work environment must be part of a global approach to risk prevention and reassessments must be carried out regularly, in particular on the acceptance of the equipment by the employee.
