Wearable Exoskeleton for Nuclear Waste Site Workers
Description
From construction workers enduring frequent lifting and repetitive movements that strain muscles to assembly line workers whose repetitive hand movements increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome to dentists facing awkward hand positions that lead to wrist issues, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a pervasive challenge across various professions. While nuclear waste site workers are well-protected from external hazards such as radiation and chemical exposure by personal protective equipment (PPE), they remain vulnerable to MSDs due to the physical demands of their tasks. These disorders may result in pain and loss of function and are among the most disabling and costly conditions in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Exoskeletons are designed to offload weight by providing powered assistance to joints, allowing workers to perform tasks for longer periods without fatigue. Exoskeletons offer a great avenue to assist people in conducting repetitive tasks for longer hours without fatigue and stressrelated injuries. This research aims to develop an exoskeleton to reduce musculoskeletal disorders that affect bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves due to repetitive motion or overuse of muscles by using wearable exoskeletons to aid workers in nuclear waste sites.