Spinal Cord Research Help
AboutCategoriesLatest ResearchContact
Subscribe
Spinal Cord Research Help

Making Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Accessible to Everyone. Simplified summaries of the latest research, designed for patients, caregivers and anybody who's interested.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
  • Latest Research
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact Us
© 2025 Spinal Cord Research Help

All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Assistive Technology
  4. Relevance of hazards in exoskeleton applications: a survey‑based enquiry

Relevance of hazards in exoskeleton applications: a survey‑based enquiry

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-023-01191-y · Published: May 10, 2023

Assistive TechnologyResearch Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Exoskeletons are increasingly used to help people move better, but their rapid development hasn't been matched by thorough safety checks. This study surveyed exoskeleton users to understand their experiences with potential hazards, like the device moving unexpectedly or causing skin injuries. The results highlight the need for better risk assessment to improve exoskeleton safety and encourage wider acceptance of these technologies.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
65 (46 research, 15 engineers, 4 physiotherapists)
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Misalignments between the exoskeleton and the user's body are a frequent issue, often due to design problems or incorrect fitting.
  • 2
    Unintended movements were rated as the most dangerous hazard, often linked to sensor failures or user errors.
  • 3
    A lack of training contributes to user errors, highlighting the importance of improving usability testing.

Research Summary

This survey-based study investigated the perceived relevance of various hazards associated with exoskeleton use, gathering feedback from researchers, engineers, and therapists. The results indicated that misalignments are a common issue, while unintended movements are considered the most dangerous. User errors due to insufficient training were also highlighted as a key concern. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk assessments and improved design and training to enhance exoskeleton safety and promote wider adoption.

Practical Implications

Improved Design

Focus on better kinematic design and adjustable interfaces to minimize misalignments.

Enhanced Training

Develop comprehensive training programs to reduce user errors and ensure safe operation.

Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Implement rigorous risk assessment procedures during development to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Limited number of respondents.
  • 2
    Imbalance in device types and participant backgrounds.
  • 3
    Generalization of hazards across different devices and situations.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Assistive Technology