# Ergonomic Assessment of Physical Load in Slovak Industry Using Wearable Technologies
Also, according to contributions [8; 9], the implementation of robotics and exoskeletons could also contribute to the improvement of working conditions. [PERSON] et al. [10] describe that the topic of exoskeletons is widely presented, including biomechatronic design, cognitive and physical human-robot interactions, wearable robotic technologies, kinematics, dynamics, and control. Upper- and lower-limb wearable exoskeletons, which are mechanical structures worn on the body to enhance the strength of the wearer, have been developed and studied for their potential effect to limit exposure to physical load [11]. Moreover, kinematics, postural control, and discomfort in passive, lower-limb exoskeleton were studied in [12]. Types of exoskeletons can be classified according to five criteria, which are: 1. what part of the human body the exoskeleton is designed for; 2. what element the exoskeleton is driven by; 3. how the exoskeleton is fixed; 4. how the exoskeleton is controlled; 5. what the exoskeleton is composed of [13]. Currently, most studies on exoskeletons demonstrate promising results. [PERSON], [PERSON] et al. [14] investigated the passive exoskeleton PAEXO for overhead work, which effectively reduces physical effort and fatigue. [PERSON], [PERSON] et al. focused on the study of the upper arm exoskeleton and created a simulation in Matlab(r) [15]. Another study indicated that lower [16] extremity exoskeletons, aiming to reduce the physical load associated with prolonged standing, may impair workers' postural control, and increase the risk of falling. According to [PERSON] et al. [17], wearable technology [18; 19; 20; 21] has been proving convincing and useful results in evaluating motor impairments of subjects suffering from (among others) Parkinson's disease. [PERSON] et al. [22] and [PERSON] et al. [23] compared performance, reliability, and the absolute error rate of worn ActiGraph GT3X in free-living conditions in young and older adults when measuring physical activity. [PERSON] et al. [24] used physiological and accelerometer data to improve physical activity assessment. Other studies argue that exoskeletons need to be closely linked to the manufacturing activities of Industry 4.0 organizations as they will perform operations in collaboration with these advanced technologies [25; 26]. Authors [27] in the study examined the opinion of factory workers and non-workers on three human-centered technologies aiming at improving working conditions: collaborative robots, exoskeletons, and wearable sensors. Workers and non-workers were mostly positive about these technologies and agreed they would increase workers' physical well-being. Authors argue that ethical recommendations must necessarily be complemented by an analysis of the social impact of these technologies, as guidelines for the ethically aligned design of autonomous and intelligent systems do exist. Some studies have investigated poor mental well-being in the workplace due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders [28]. In the automotive industry, the Noonee chairless-chair was investigated, which is a passive device for workers that requires no power. It is supposed to be a practical device for workers who must remain in ergonomically uncomfortable positions [29]. Throughout the European Union, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the biggest cause of absenteeism, accounting for 40% of workers' compensation costs and a reduction of around 1.6% of gross domestic product [30]. In the US, similar statistics show that MSDs represent 33% of all staff compensation costs [31]. WMSD cases increased from 293 cases in 2019 to 328 cases in 2020. The Accommodation and Food Services industry was the top contributor, accounting for 16% (54 cases) of all WMSD cases, followed by the Manufacturing and Health Services industries with 49 (15%) and 45 (14%) WMSD cases, respectively [32].