Understanding the Impact of an Exoskeleton System on the Metabolic Cost of Workers during Common Repetitive Construction Tasks

Depending on the type of load and movement strategy, exoskeletons may result in increased metabolic cost for the users. Despite such risk factors, there is a lack of understanding of the impact of powered exoskeletons on construction workers' metabolic costs. This research aimed to examine the metabolic risks of the powered exoskeleton system on construction workers during common repetitive construction tasks. Eighteen subjects were required to complete material handling tasks under two conditions (with and without using an exoskeleton). During each condition, breath-by-breath respiratory data were obtained using a portable indirect calorimeter. To assess the metabolic cost, energy expenditure and maximal oxygen consumption were calculated from breath-by-breath respiratory data. Results revealed a significant reduction in energy expenditure by 18% and a decrease in maximal oxygen consumption by 15% for workers performing tasks with exoskeletons compared to those without. Findings demonstrated that using exoskeletons could reduce the metabolic cost of workers.