Use of exoskeletons at work: what is the experience of users?

Use of exoskeletons at work: what is the feedback from users?

Use of exoskeletons at work: what is the feedback from users?

Exoskeletons are generating increasing interest in companies facing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). They promise better posture, reduced physical fatigue, and increased comfort at work... but what do the users really think?

A recent study conducted by MSD Solutions Lab provides interesting insights into the perception of workers using these preventive technologies.

Who is MSD Solutions Lab?

The MSD Solutions Lab is a U.S. initiative dedicated to preventing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.

Its mission:

  • mobilize occupational health and safety stakeholders;
  • conduct research on ergonomic risks;
  • identify new prevention technologies;
  • promote innovation;
  • disseminate best practices on a large scale.

The initiative is led by the National Safety Council in the United States and financially supported by Amazon, with a stated ambition: to make tangible progress in the prevention of MSDs across all sectors of activity.

Download the full study (pdf format)

Study coverage

The new technologies evaluated in the study

The study is not only focused on exoskeletons. It analyzes several prevention technologies:

Wearable Sensors

devices worn on the body that measure movements, postures, and physical efforts to identify risky gestures and improve the ergonomic analysis of workstations.

Computer Vision

technology using cameras and image analysis algorithms to automatically detect awkward postures, repetitive gestures, or work situations with ergonomic risks, as proposed by the application Hapo LEA.

Exoskeletons

assistive equipment worn by the user, designed to support certain parts of the body, reduce muscle fatigue, and limit physical strain during demanding tasks.

Robots and cobots

automated systems capable of executing or assisting with repetitive or physically demanding tasks; cobots, on the other hand, are specifically designed to collaborate directly with human operators.

Extended Reality (XR: virtual, augmented, or mixed)

Immersive or digitally enhanced environments that allow for simulating tasks, training operators, and assessing ergonomic risks without real physical exposure.

Digital Twins

Virtual replicas of a workstation, process, or industrial environment, powered by real data to simulate working conditions and anticipate ergonomic risks.

Among these different innovations, exoskeletons stand out due to their direct interaction with the user,
making them a particularly interesting technology to study from the perspective of workers' experiences.

What do users really think about exoskeletons?

Out of 405 respondents, 68 used an exoskeleton. The following figures pertain only to this group.

96%

96%

A better awareness of ergonomic risks

First strong lesson: 96% of users believe that the exoskeleton helps them better identify ergonomic risk factors:

  • significant efforts;
  • repetitiveness;
  • constraining postures.

In other words, the exoskeleton is not only seen as physical assistance: it also becomes a tool for ergonomic awareness.

81%

81%

An improved posture

81% of respondents believe that their posture has improved thanks to the use of an exoskeleton.

This is a particularly interesting result, as posture is a major factor in the prevention of:

  • lower back pain;
  • neck tension;
  • shoulder disorders;
  • chronic muscle fatigue.

82%

82%

Less worry about the risk of injury

82% of users report feeling less fear of getting injured at work. This figure reflects a benefit that is often not mentioned: perceived safety.

When an operator feels more protected, it can also affect:

  • serenity;
  • engagement;
  • confidence in their work environment.

78%

81%

A positive impact on well-being at work

The results also show an effect on the quality of work life:

  • 78% notice an improvement in their job satisfaction;
  • 91% believe that the exoskeleton does not increase mental load, and may even reduce it;
  • 54% observe a decrease in signs or symptoms associated with MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders).

These data show that the perceived benefit goes beyond just the biomechanical dimension.

Very insightful field feedback

The testimonials collected in the study concretely illustrate these results:

“The fact that they improve posture and make it more comfortable…
I no longer feel intense pain when staying in the same position, lifting heavy objects, or constantly having to bend down.”

“This allows me to be more comfortable in my work, and therefore more efficient.”

These verbatims highlight three key benefits:

comfort + pain reduction + operational efficiency.

In which sectors are exoskeletons most present?

Person working with metal, bent forward

industry

Printer, mechanic, blacksmith

Learn more +
Nursing assistant helping a patient to stand up

Health and care

Surgeon, dentist, plastic surgeon, nurse, nursing assistant

Learn more +
Outdoor painter, from behind and equipped with a Hapo UP

construction

Mason, tiler, painter, carpenter

Learn more +
Employee organizing boxes on a rack

Logistics

Forklift operator, warehouse worker, order picker

Learn more +
Farmer bent forward in his field

agriculture

Oyster farmer, winegrower, landscaper, beekeeper, dairy farmer, market gardener

Learn more +

A common point:

physically demanding jobs, with handling, awkward postures or repetitive motions.

What to remember

This study shows a clear trend: the majority of exoskeleton users have a positive perception of their use.

They see it as:

  • a better posture
  • more comfort
  • less fatigue and pain
  • better prevention of risk
  • enhanced job satisfaction

Of course, an exoskeleton does not replace workplace ergonomics or primary prevention. But when well-chosen, well-tested, and properly integrated, it seems to become a true tool for improving working conditions.

Contact one of our experts

Our teams are at your disposal to assess your needs and organize real-life tests to allow your employees to experience the benefits of exoskeletons in their work environment.

Contact an expert

Contact one of our experts

Our teams are at your disposal to assess your needs and organize real-life tests to allow your employees to experience the benefits of Hapo exoskeletons in their work environment.

Contact an expert