Efficacy of Virtual Reality-Based Approach for Users to Understand the Potential Benefits and Limitations of Using Exoskeletons

Objective Evaluate the efficacy of a virtual reality (VR)-based approach for elucidating the benefits and limitations of occupational exoskeletons (EXO). Background There is a general lack of awareness of the potential benefits and limitations of EXO among potential users. To address this, we developed and evaluated a VR-module that enables users to perform virtual manual material handling tasks and learn about the potential biomechanical impacts of using an EXO. Method Twenty participants experienced three types of informational exposures to a back-support EXO when completing various lifting tasks: information-based, VR-based, and hands-on experience. After each trial in each exposure, perceived usefulness of EXO was obtained. Results Compared to the information-based exposure, significantly more variance in EXO usefulness was explained by task factors in the VR condition, for all lifting conditions. Progressing (or transitioning) from VR to hands-on experience led to a slight increase in the explained variance for some task conditions. Decision tree analysis revealed that the key factors affecting perceived EXO usefulness in the VR condition were users’ prior technology perceptions, the baseline risk of tasks, and risk reduced by the EXO. Conclusion The VR-based exposure effectively highlighted the task-specific benefits of EXO use and thus accounted for more variance in perceived usefulness than a baseline information session. Application Our findings suggest that a VR-based approach may be effective in enhancing user understanding of the benefits and limitations of EXOs. This may potentially aid organizations in developing better training programs and personalized interventions to improve EXO acceptance in workplaces.