Design and evaluation of exoskeleton for static conditions using Indian anthropometric considerations

Abstract

Purpose Various occupations in life require personnel to stand for a prolonged period of time. This causes excessive stress on the joints leading to musculoskeletal disorders. This paper aims to design an equipment ensure the personnel rests on whenever necessary. Design/methodology/approach The method followed in this paper is the adoption of Karl Ulrich’s product design methodology with suitable modifications as per requirement. Human anthropometric data from the Indian population has been considered during the design and modelled according to it using computer aided design and computer aided engineering tools. Findings The conceptual equipment – exoskeleton designed sustained loads of human beings and proved to be a safe design in terms of the strength of the material used in the design. Social implications This design can serve as equipment, which helps the personnel with long-standing work hours to relieve themselves without actually sitting. Originality/value The design has been carefully crafted based on the inputs from the anthropometric features of human beings, which is completely passive in nature i.e. no use of external power is required for this exoskeleton compared to the other available designs.