## 4 Discussion
### Practical Implications  
The findings from this study have several practical implications for the construction industry and other sectors involving physical labor. Based on this study's comprehensive analysis, construction managers should prioritize exoskeleton implementation in high-intensity tasks involving repetitive bending, lifting, and standing postures, as this targeted approach may maximize return on investment. Organizations would benefit from developing structured training programs that allow workers sufficient time to adapt to exoskeletons, with this study's findings suggesting that adaptation benefits continue to increase even after 2 h of use, with productivity advantages growing from 23.9% initially to 40.1% by the end of the observed period. This gradual improvement suggests that as users become more familiar with exoskeleton, their movement efficiency and task fluency improve, reinforcing the importance of adaptation in maximizing the device's effectiveness.  
When evaluating exoskeleton effectiveness, it is important to consider multiple performance metrics beyond raw productivity, including motion stability, work consistency, and long-term sustainability, as these comprehensive metrics provide a more complete picture of the technology's value. The finding that exoskeletons help maintain higher productivity over extended work periods suggests that work planning could be optimized by accounting for the fatigue-reduction benefits of this technology, potentially allowing for more efficient resource allocation in construction projects. The substantial productivity advantages observed in high-intensity conditions (up to 59.5% for ground-level masonry work) suggest that targeted deployment of exoskeletons in the most physically demanding tasks could significantly impact overall project timelines and costs.  
Beyond performance metrics, a preliminary cost-benefit consideration indicates that wearable robotic exoskeletons may also be economically viable. Assuming a device cost of approximately USD 5000 and an average productivity gain of 40% in high-intensity tasks, the investment can potentially be recouped within several weeks in labor-intensive projects. Furthermore, reduced physical strain and fatigue may lead to lower injury rates and associated costs related to worker compensation or downtime. While a full economic model is beyond the scope of this study, this preliminary analysis highlights the technology's potential value from both operational and financial perspectives, reinforcing its relevance for industry application.  
While traditional ergonomic interventions--such as lift-assist devices, adjustable work platforms, or manual handling tools--can also reduce physical load, they often lack the mobility and adaptability required in unstructured construction environments. Wearable exoskeletons provide a unique advantage by allowing support to move with the worker across varied tasks and terrains. Although the initial cost of exoskeletons may be higher, their ability to improve both productivity and stability in dynamic work settings may offset these costs over time. However, it remains important to further investigate how exoskeletons influence worker agility and safety in unpredictable environments, particularly during rapid movements or non-standard task transitions. Ensuring that physical support does not compromise movement adaptability is critical for successful on-site implementation. Future research should explore direct comparisons of cost-effectiveness and task suitability between exoskeletons and other ergonomic solutions.