Saskia Baltrusch

219 Chapter 8 Acceptability and Usability of a spinal exoskeleton Experience during testing Luggage handlers shared different experience of the exoskeleton they tested in a previous study. Two of them perceived the lifting task as easier to perform when wearing the exoskeleton, while the other two did not feel a difference. They all agreed on the fact that the exoskeleton is still too heavy, but liked the possibility of switching on and off the support when needed. Time factor Luggage handlers were concerned about using the exoskeleton at their workplace when they have to drive the vehicle. Due to the design of the exoskeleton, sitting in the vehicle is not possible. The only solution would be to take it off, but that is time consuming for people who switch between loading, unloading and driving. Taking it on and off has to be fast to make sure no time gets lost. The process coordinator talked about a previous passive exoskeleton they have tested at workplace and how much time was spent in adapting the exoskeleton to the user. He suggested not using straps to adapt the size of the device, but fixed intervals: “[…] if I know that for my hips for example I need to set it on 3 and for my back on 4 and then I know it’s good for me […] that helps, that really makes a difference in time spent.” (Martijn, Process Coordinator) Freedom of movement Consensus in the focus group was reached on the fact that the exoskeleton does not interfere with the working task, since it is worn around the body. Luggage handlers acknowledged that: even when wearing the exoskeleton for support, they can perform their work in their individual manner. The process coordinator also emphasized the benefit of wearing an on-body device, instead of an off-body lifting device: 8