# Evaluating the Efficacy of a Passive Exoskeleton for Enhancing Ergonomics in Manufacturing
## 1 Introduction
As a result, these devices have the potential to lessen the effort demanded from the spinal muscles, reduce spinal strain, and enhance task performance [20]. A study by [PERSON], et al. [5] showed a lessened compressive load on the spinal disc as a result of wearing a BExo, showing its potential in reducing the likelihood of incurring back-related MSDs. Considering the walking task, research findings indicate that utilizing an exoskeleton can lead to a reduction in the energy expenditure associated with walking. This suggests that exoskeletons have the potential to enhance walking efficiency by lowering the metabolic demands on the body [31]. A systematic analysis of factors influencing the acceptance of industrial exoskeletons [32] revealed the necessity of addressing user expectations, comfort, safety, and task compatibility to improve user experiences and adoption rates. A study on the impact of using a passive trunk exoskeleton among employees suffering from low-back pain demonstrated a notable improvement in self-efficacy, with a 7% increase among users, suggesting that the exoskeleton aided physical task performance and also boosted users' confidence in managing their condition. This study also identified critical concerns regarding the design and social perception of the exoskeleton, including its comfort, ease of use, and the stigma associated with wearing such devices in the workplace [33]. Another study [34] on the impact of exoskeletons on healthy individuals performing repetitive tasks revealed that a passive trunk exoskeleton can alleviate back discomfort during static tasks but restricts movement in activities requiring extensive trunk or hip flexion, such as walking. It indicated that while that exoskeleton aids in specific repetitive tasks, it impedes versatility in more dynamic environments. The discomfort experienced does not directly impact the short-term performance. Furthermore, research on the interaction of patients with lower back pain with a passive trunk exoskeleton showed that they experienced reduced discomfort and were more willing to use the exoskeleton daily. However, those without lower back pain were less inclined to use the device, highlighting limitations in acceptance among pain-free individuals [35; 36]. Despite the growing body of research on passive exoskeletons in occupational settings, a major obstacle to their broadened utilization in industrial settings is the limited or incomplete understanding of their impact and potential risks. Previous research has shown that customizable exoskeletons, tailored to individual user needs, are expected to outperform standardized, one-size-fits-all models in terms of effectiveness [37]. Additionally, there is a deficiency in comprehensive evaluations that discuss the pros and cons of these devices, which is crucial for informing developers, ergonomics specialists, consumers, and workers [20; 21]. Moreover, there is an absence of detailed studies on the performance of passive exoskeletons in varying work tasks [17]. Therefore, it is essential to conduct targeted research to explore both the challenges and the strengths of these exoskeletons, particularly from the perspective of end users engaged in simulated tasks that replicate common job assignments such as manual material handling. The goal of this study was to address this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of users' interactions with a passive back-supporting occupational exoskeleton. The study focuses on the advantages and difficulties encountered when users wear a back-support exoskeleton during tasks that involve the manual handling of materials, set within simulations of actual industrial conditions. In addition, the research offers a statistical comparison of the participants' reported physical exertion and the biomechanical effort they perceive while engaging in these tasks.