Nicole Bednorz’s research while affiliated with Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics and other places

The exoskeleton technology is discussed as a promising approach in order to relieve physical work in logistics and thereby contribute to health prevention. In recent years, several models have come onto the market that are designed to support specific manual activities. However, especially the work in logistics is characterized by changing activities that cause different physical strains. An exoskeleton test center is being set up at Fraunhofer IML to investigate the effect of exoskeletons in realistic workplaces under laboratory conditions. In a logistics course consisting of typical main and secondary activities of logistics workers, exoskeletons of different categories will be compared in participant studies. Objective and subjective methods are used to analyze movement behavior and performance effects as well as to determine user impression. In a preliminary study, two participants tested a powered exoskeleton over a four-week period in a selected area of the logistics course while their movements were analyzed with motion capturing. The findings will be used to design the planned studies with a larger study sample. After evaluation of the exoskeleton test center and the experimental design, it can be used by future users as well as for exoskeleton manufacturers.

In logistical processes such as palletising and order picking, musculoskeletal disorders increase. As part of the INNOVATIONSLABOR research project, the latest model of a passive exoskeleton manufactured by LAEVO was investigated in a laboratory study. A final sample of N = 37 persons (73% men) from 20 to 64 years of age evaluated the exoskeleton regarding general comfort, local comfort in different body parts, handling characteristics such as adjustment possibilities, freedom of movement, efficiency, task support and task impairment with validated questionnaires. The analyses show that passive exoskeletons seem to have potential for static activities, but their wearing comfort and user handling should be further developed.

Die vorliegende Publikation erscheint im Kontext des Projektes „ADINA – Automatisierungstechnik und Ergonomieunterstützung für innovative Kommissionier- und Umschlagkonzepte der Logistik in NRW“. Die Förderung erfolgt im Rahmen der EFRE-Förderung NRW (2017-2020), Leitmarktwettbewerb Logistik.NRW. Die Projektbeteiligten sind das Institut für Logistik- & Dienstleistungsmanagement (ild) der FOM Hochschule, das Zentrum für Logistik und Verkehr (ZLV) der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fiege Logistik Bocholt, EJOT Bad Berleburg, Bohnen Logistik Duisburg, Fraunhofer Institut für Materialflusstechnik (IML) Dortmund.