# Skilled Workers' Perspectives on Utilizing a Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton in Construction
## 3 Results
Of the eleven variables that assessed participants' preference for wearing the exoskeleton versus their usual method (i.e., no exoskeleton), we focused on the factors where over two-thirds of participants preferred the same method (Figure 4). Most (83%) preferred to wear the exoskeletons to reduce the required effort when performing overhead tasks. Conversely, the majority of participants (75%) preferred their usual method based on maneuverability. Despite these drawbacks, two-thirds of the participants, ultimately, were likely or very likely to use the exoskeleton if it were supplied by their employer. Participants identified tasks that may or may not benefit from exoskeleton usage (Table 3). They also identified hindrances in exoskeleton use and provided suggestions for its design and application. In general, the EXO-01 was beneficial for tasks that involved overhead work, particularly those that included lifting and positioning materials, such as finishing drywall, installing electrical conduits, and installing upper tracks (Figure 5). Exoskeletons were also deemed helpful for operating tools in overhead and arm-extended positions, including the use of impact drills (\(\sim\)1 kg), grinders (\(\sim\)1.7 kg), hammer drills (\(\sim\)6 kg), and reciprocating saws (\(\sim\)2.2 kg) (battery weight not included). Overhead tasks and operating tools were often performed concurrently. For example, workers would use one hand to position the material on the ceiling and use their contralateral hand to operate a tool. In addition, participants found the exoskeleton to be valuable for pulling wire, tying in electrical boxes for lights and smoke detectors, installing light fixtures (e.g., pot lights, light covers, and chandeliers) and smoke detectors, and mudding and taping drywall. Three participants also reported that the EXO-01 was helpful for carrying and lifting drywall and other materials. Figure 4: Preference of exoskeleton versus usual method for various overhead work-related variables (n = 40). \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l} \hline \hline
**Tasks Exoskeleton Was Helpful for** & **Tasks Exoskeleton Was Not Helpful for** \\ \hline
**Lifting and positioning materials overhead for installation * & \\ \(\bullet\) & Top track for studs \\ \(\bullet\) & Electrical conduits \\ \(\bullet\) & Bulkhead and ceiling drywall \\ \(\bullet\) & Bulkhead frames \\ \(\bullet\) & Metal studs \\ \(\bullet\) & Light fixtures (e.g., pot lights, light covers, and chandeliers) and smoke detectors \\ \hline
**Using tools overhead or with arms extended * & \\ \(\bullet\) & Nailing in the top track with the shooter \\ \(\bullet\) & Drilling metal studs into the top track \\ \(\bullet\) & Drilling in drywall for ceings and bulkheads \\ \(\bullet\) & Drilling in bulkhead frames \\ \(\bullet\) & Drilling in brackets to secure electrical conduits \\ \(\bullet\) & Modding and tapping, especially at ceiling joints \\ \(\bullet\) & Drilling ceings \\ \(\bullet\) & **Other overhead tasks:** \\ \(\bullet\) & Pulling wire \\ \(\bullet\) & Tying in electrical boxes for lights and smoke detectors \\ \(\bullet\) & Hand-tightening light fixtures (e.g., pot lights, light covers, and \\ chandeliers) and smoke detectors \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: Tasks that the exoskeleton was helpful and not helpful for. Figure 5: Examples of tasks that the exoskeleton was beneficial for: (**a**) installing light fixtures, (**b**) installing upper tracks, (**c**) taping and mudding ceiling joints, (**d**) finishing drywall, (**e**) building bulkheads, and (**f**) overhead concrete drilling. According to the workers, the exoskeleton was not helpful or effective when working in tight spaces (e.g., working in closets and framing around ducts) or performing tasks at or below shoulder height (Figure 6). Such tasks included picking up small objects off the ground, drilling downwards, boxing wires at knee height, taping windowsills, measuring and cutting, and general cleanup.