# Mind, Machine, and Meaning: Cognitive Ergonomics and Adaptive Interfaces in the Age of Industry 5.0
## 3 Ergonomic Techniques in Human-Machine Interactions
### Modern Solutions for Improving Human-Machine Interactions
#### 3.3.1 Exoskeletons and Assistive Devices
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**Name** & **Type** & **Application** & **Operating Principle Description** \\ \hline ExoPA & Assessment tool & Evaluating exoskeleton suitability for overhead tasks & Analyzes task demands to assess the ergonomic benefit of using an exoskeleton. [97] \\ \hline Stuttgart & Upper limb, hybrid & Industrial cable installation & Active shoulder/elbow support with a gas spring and force grounding. [98] \\ \hline Exo-UL7 & Upper limb, active & General haptic assistance & Electric actuators on shoulder/elbow; suitable for ADL support. [99] \\ \hline ExoArm & Upper limb, active & Assistive/industrial use & Pneumatically actuated shoulder and elbow joints. [100] \\ \hline SuitX MAX & Modular industrial (passive) & lifting, overhead work, injury prevention & Combines back, shoulder, and leg support modules to reduce strain and fatigue during physically demanding tasks. [101] \\ \hline IX BACK & Lower back/active & Dynamic heavy load handling & AI-driven, provides up to 17 kg of support and 8 h of battery life. [102] \\ \hline Comau MATE & Upper limb/passive & Overhead work, assembly tasks & A passive upper-limb exoskeleton that reduces fatigue and improves posture during repetitive tasks. [103] \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 6: _Cont._  
Figure 8: Exoskeleton examples for each picture number (1—Exoskeleton Lokomat [87], 2—Exoskeleton Levitate AirFrame [88], 3—Exoskeleton HAL with bio-electrical signals [89], 4—Exoskeleton MYOSUIT [90], 5—Exoskeleton Laevo V2 [91], 6—Exoskeleton Otobock Paexo Shoulder [92], 7—Exoskeleton MyoPro [93], 8—Exoskeleton XoTrunk [94], 9—Exoskeleton EksoVest [95], 10—Exoskeleton Chairless Chair [96], 11—Exoskeleton Lockheed Matin’s Tool [88], 12—Exoskeleton ExoPA [97], 13—Exoskeleton Stuttgart Exo-Jacket [98], 14—Exoskeleton Exo—UL7 [99], 15—Exoskeleton ExoArm [100], 16—Exoskeleton SuitX MAX [101], 17—Exoskeleton IX Back VOLTON [102], 18—Exoskeleton Camau MATE [103]). Comparative Analysis of Industrial Exoskeletons in Automotive and  
Ergonomic Applications  
The integration of exoskeletons in industrial environments, particularly in the automotive sector, has gained momentum as a solution to mitigate musculoskeletal strain, enhance worker safety, and improve productivity. Among the devices reviewed, a distinction can be made between passive and active systems, each offering specific benefits and limitations. Passive upper-limb exoskeletons such as the Paexo Shoulder, Levitate Airframe, EksoVest, SuitX ShoulderX, and Comau MATE are designed to reduce fatigue during overhead or repetitive tasks by redistributing the weight of the arms to the hips or the ground. These systems are lightweight, require no power source, and are highly suitable for tasks like ceiling assembly, painting, or cable installation. Their main advantage lies in simplicity, affordability, and ease of integration, making them popular in automotive assembly lines. However, they may offer limited adaptability, with support levels that are static and not responsive to real-time user needs. Lower-back passive exoskeletons such as BackX, Paexo Back, and Chairless Chair 2.0 primarily aim to alleviate lumbar strain during lifting, bending, or prolonged standing. These exoskeletons are highly valued in logistics and material handling sectors within automotive manufacturing, where repetitive lifting is frequent. Their ergonomic benefits include spinal load reduction and posture correction. Nonetheless, mobility can be restricted in tight or fast-paced environments, and support may deactivate during walking or dynamic movement, limiting versatility. In contrast, active exoskeletons like HAL, MyoPro, EksoNR, and IX BACK VOLTON provide motorized or AI-driven assistance based on real-time feedback (e.g., sEMG or motion sensors). These systems are more adaptable and suitable for rehabilitation, high-precision tasks, or heavy-duty industrial roles.