# Evaluating the Efficacy of a Passive Exoskeleton for Enhancing Ergonomics in Manufacturing
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Analysis of the Survey  
The scoring of each attribute regarding users' interaction with the BExo is shown in Table 6. The results were sorted based on the mean score in each category from the highest to the lowest score. The survey results were analyzed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the exoskeleton's impact on user experience, usability, and overall effectiveness. Each survey component was evaluated based on the feedback from the participants, with scores ranging from 0 to 10. These survey results provide valuable insights into the potential of exoskeletons to enhance workplace safety and reduce the risk of injuries. The high scores in safety, trust, and ergonomic assistance underscore their benefits. However, the moderate scores in empowerment and willingness to reuse suggest room for improving the exoskeleton design and functionality. Addressing the feelings of constraint and intimidation can further enhance user experience and acceptance.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Term** & **Estimate** & **Std Error** & **t-Ratio** & \(p\)**-Value** \\ \hline Intercept & 15.0167 & 0.5163 & 29.0800 & \textless{}0.0001 \\ \hline Task [C] & 3.6333 & 0.7302 & 4.9800 & \textless{}0.0001 \\ \hline Task [L] & 4.1333 & 0.7302 & 5.6600 & \textless{}0.0001 \\ \hline Support [Ex] & \(-\)3.8500 & 0.5163 & \(-\)7.4600 & \textless{}0.0001 \\ \hline Body Part [ankle] & \(-\)5.0167 & 1.5490 & \(-\)3.2400 & 0.0046 \\ \hline Body Part [elbow] & \(-\)6.1833 & 1.5490 & \(-\)3.9900 & 0.0009 \\ \hline Body Part [feet] & \(-\)4.6833 & 1.5490 & \(-\)3.0200 & 0.0073 \\ \hline Body Part [knee] & 5.6500 & 1.5490 & 3.6500 & 0.0018 \\ \hline Body Part [lower back] & 14.6500 & 1.5490 & 9.4600 & \textless{}0.0001 \\ \hline Body Part [neck] & \(-\)4.6833 & 1.5490 & \(-\)3.0200 & 0.0073 \\ \hline Body Part [upper back] & 4.6500 & 1.5490 & 3.0000 & 0.0077 \\ \hline Support [Ex] \(\times\) Body Part [chest] & 5.3500 & 1.5490 & 3.4500 & 0.0028 \\ \hline Support [Ex] \(\times\) Body Part [lower back] & \(-\)7.4833 & 1.5490 & \(-\)4.8300 & 0.0001 \\ \hline Task [C] \(\times\) Body Part [lower back] & 6.7000 & 2.1906 & 3.0600 & 0.0068 \\ \hline Task [L] \(\times\) Body Part [upper back] & 6.7000 & 2.1906 & 3.0600 & 0.0068 \\ \hline Task [L] \(\times\) Body Part [lower back] & 6.2000 & 2.1906 & 2.8300 & 0.0111 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 5: Results from the two-way ANOVA model (all statistically significant).  
Certain attributes with mean and median values greater than 5, including helpfulness, ease of use, feeling safe wearing the BExo, trust in the BExo, and posture improvement, showed positive user perceptions. These metrics recorded mean values of 5.41, 6.32, 6.91, 6.59, and 5.55, and medians of 6.00, 7.00, 7.00, 7.00, and 5.50, respectively. The high scores in these categories indicate that the users generally found the exoskeleton beneficial in enhancing their posture, straightforward to operate, and instilling a sense of safety and reliability. Such feedback is crucial, highlighting the exoskeleton's utility in improving worker safety and efficiency, while also suggesting a robust trust and comfort level among users.  
Attributes with mean and median values less than 5, such as perceived tiredness, perceived time wasted, perceiving the exoskeleton as a constraint, cognitive effort, level of freeness, and perceived physical effort, indicate areas needing enhancement. The respective mean values for these metrics were 2.64, 1.86, 3.09, 2.41, 5.09, and 3.27, with medians of 2.50, 2.00, 3.00, 2.00, 4.50, and 3.00. These findings suggest that the exoskeleton did not significantly increase tiredness or the cognitive burden, which is indicative of its beneficial ergonomic design. However, the moderate scores for perceived constraint and physical effort point to some discomfort and physical exertion and restricted movement. Additionally, the middling score for freeness suggests that the users experienced a degree of movement limitation, which could affect task performance and overall satisfaction.