Design and implementation requirements for increased acceptance of occupational exoskeletons in an industrial context: a qualitative study

Occupational exoskeletons are not yet frequently used at work. Previous research has indicatedmultiple factors (physiological, implementation-related, work-related, policy, and psycho-social)that can explain this lack of adoption. However, there is a lack of specific requirements related tothese themes to improve exoskeletons and their adoption. Therefore, the goal of our research isto formulate concrete requirements for the design and implementation of exoskeletons. We useda design ethnography approach (focus groups, an interview, observations, surveys, and groupinterviews) with multiple stakeholders (users, designers, and potential future users). Our data sug-gest that potential future users of exoskeletons believe that existing exoskeletons should beimproved to be adopted. Exoskeletons should be more comfortable to wear and flexible enoughto support a wider range of tasks. We have formulated 49 requirements for occupational exoskele-tons, and we validated and extended an existing framework. Our work encourages the improveddesign of future or existing exoskeletons.