{"id":{"repo_id":"vt","oai_identifier":"oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/141579"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/vt/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/141579","repository":{"repo_id":"vt","name":"Virginia Tech","base_url":"https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request"},"display":{"title":"Assessing the Effects of Exoskeletons on Physical Demands, Trip and Slip Risks, and User Perceptions in Manual Mining Tasks","abstract":"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major health concern worldwide in the mining sector and are associated with frequent exposure to risk factors prevalent in manual mining tasks. Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising ergonomic intervention to mitigate WMSD risk, by reducing physical demands and improving work performance. The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the potential benefits of using EXOs for addressing health and safety challenges encountered by miners, while also examining the limitations associated with EXO use, as a means of providing new evidence to guide the effective selection and application of passive arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) and back-support exoskeletons (BSEs), help avoid unintended/preventable side effects resulting from this technology, and aid in maximizing the benefits of EXO use in mining. The first study identified and assessed the opportunities for and feasibility of implementing EXOs in mining, through an online survey with industry stakeholders. Miners reported potential benefits of EXOs for lifting and overhead work and shared concerns about EXO use. They also emphasize the need to ensure task compatibility, comfort, and affordability to ensure safe and effective adoption in mining. The second study quantified the potential benefits and risks of using ASEs and BSEs for diverse manual mining tasks using controlled lab-based simulations. Both ASE and BSE effects were device- and task-specific. BSEs significantly reduced peak trunk extensor activity during lifting and overhead installation tasks, although perceptions of exertion and discomfort differed by device: soft BSE reduced perceived upper-back exertion, whereas rigid BSE increased waist/hip discomfort. ASEs also differed in their effects on total shoulder muscle activity across tasks, but their use reduced perceived exertion across most body regions with minimal reported discomfort. The third study assessed the effects of BSEs on trip and slip risks during load carriage on different surface slopes. Using both BSEs differentially altered minimum foot clearance (MFC) and required coefficient of friction (RCoF). Rigid BSEs increased right foot MFC and RCoF, whereas the soft BSE largely preserved baseline gait mechanics, with no significant effects on objective slip or trip risk metrics. Overall, we found that the efficacy of ASEs and BSEs are highly device- and task-dependent. These results provide critical insights to inform evidence-based guidelines for the safe implementation of occupational EXOs in mining and other physically demanding industries.","abstract_html":"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major health concern worldwide in the mining sector and are associated with frequent exposure to risk factors prevalent in manual mining tasks. Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising ergonomic intervention to mitigate WMSD risk, by reducing physical demands and improving work performance. The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the potential benefits of using EXOs for addressing health and safety challenges encountered by miners, while also examining the limitations associated with EXO use, as a means of providing new evidence to guide the effective selection and application of passive arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) and back-support exoskeletons (BSEs), help avoid unintended/preventable side effects resulting from this technology, and aid in maximizing the benefits of EXO use in mining. The first study identified and assessed the opportunities for and feasibility of implementing EXOs in mining, through an online survey with industry stakeholders. Miners reported potential benefits of EXOs for lifting and overhead work and shared concerns about EXO use. They also emphasize the need to ensure task compatibility, comfort, and affordability to ensure safe and effective adoption in mining. The second study quantified the potential benefits and risks of using ASEs and BSEs for diverse manual mining tasks using controlled lab-based simulations. Both ASE and BSE effects were device- and task-specific. BSEs significantly reduced peak trunk extensor activity during lifting and overhead installation tasks, although perceptions of exertion and discomfort differed by device: soft BSE reduced perceived upper-back exertion, whereas rigid BSE increased waist/hip discomfort. ASEs also differed in their effects on total shoulder muscle activity across tasks, but their use reduced perceived exertion across most body regions with minimal reported discomfort. The third study assessed the effects of BSEs on trip and slip risks during load carriage on different surface slopes. Using both BSEs differentially altered minimum foot clearance (MFC) and required coefficient of friction (RCoF). Rigid BSEs increased right foot MFC and RCoF, whereas the soft BSE largely preserved baseline gait mechanics, with no significant effects on objective slip or trip risk metrics. Overall, we found that the efficacy of ASEs and BSEs are highly device- and task-dependent. These results provide critical insights to inform evidence-based guidelines for the safe implementation of occupational EXOs in mining and other physically demanding industries.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Akinwande, Feyisayo Alexander"],"institution":"Virginia Tech","degree_name":"Doctor of Philosophy","degree_level":"doctoral","degree_discipline":"Industrial and Systems Engineering","degree_department":"Industrial and Systems Engineering","school":null,"contributors":[],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":["Nussbaum, Maury A."],"committee_members":["Kim, Sun Wook","Lim, Sol Ie","Madigan, Michael L."],"year":2026,"date_issued":"2026-02-25","date_published":"2026-02-25","updated_at":"2026-07-22T22:19:18Z","subjects":["Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders","Mining Industry","Ergonomic Intervention","Technology Adoption","Exoskeleton","Lifting and Overhead Work","Electromyography","Usability","Mining","Wearable Assistive Devices","Motion Capture","Trip and Slip","Surface Slop"],"languages":["en"],"rights":["In Copyright"],"rights_urls":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"identifier_entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier.other","label":"Dc Identifier Other","values":["vt_gsexam:45762"],"render_values":[{"text":"vt_gsexam:45762","href":null,"code":true}]}]},"links":{"outbound_url":"https://hdl.handle.net/10919/141579","outbound_label":"Handle","outbound_source":"dc:identifier.uri"},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:contributor.committeechair","label":"Committee Chair","values":["Nussbaum, Maury A."]},{"key":"dc:contributor.committeemember","label":"Committee Member","values":["Kim, Sun Wook","Lim, Sol Ie","Madigan, Michael L."]},{"key":"dc:contributor.department","label":"Department","values":["Industrial and Systems Engineering"]},{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["Akinwande, Feyisayo Alexander"]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date.accessioned","label":"Dc Date Accessioned","values":["2026-02-26T09:00:08Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.available","label":"Dc Date Available","values":["2026-02-26T09:00:08Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.issued","label":"Date","values":["2026-02-25"]},{"key":"dc:publisher","label":"Institution","values":["Virginia Tech"]},{"key":"dc:type","label":"Dc Type","values":["Dissertation"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_discipline","label":"Discipline","values":["Industrial and Systems Engineering"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_level","label":"Degree Level","values":["doctoral"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_name","label":"Degree Name","values":["Doctor of Philosophy"]},{"key":"thesis:institution_name","label":"Thesis Institution Name","values":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"]}]},{"id":"subjects_keywords","label":"Subjects and Keywords","entries":[{"key":"dc:subject","label":"Dc Subject","values":["Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders","Mining Industry","Ergonomic Intervention","Technology Adoption","Exoskeleton","Lifting and Overhead Work","Electromyography","Usability","Mining","Wearable Assistive Devices","Motion Capture","Trip and Slip","Surface Slop"]}]},{"id":"language_rights","label":"Language and Rights","entries":[{"key":"dc:language.iso","label":"Language (ISO)","values":["en"]},{"key":"dc:rights","label":"Dc Rights","values":["In Copyright"]},{"key":"dc:rights.uri","label":"Rights URI","values":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"]}]},{"id":"identifiers","label":"Identifiers","entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier.other","label":"Dc Identifier Other","values":["vt_gsexam:45762"]},{"key":"dc:identifier.uri","label":"Identifier URI","values":["https://hdl.handle.net/10919/141579"]}]},{"id":"additional","label":"Additional Metadata","entries":[{"key":"dc:description.abstract","label":"Abstract","values":["Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major health concern worldwide in the mining sector and are associated with frequent exposure to risk factors prevalent in manual mining tasks. Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising ergonomic intervention to mitigate WMSD risk, by reducing physical demands and improving work performance. The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the potential benefits of using EXOs for addressing health and safety challenges encountered by miners, while also examining the limitations associated with EXO use, as a means of providing new evidence to guide the effective selection and application of passive arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) and back-support exoskeletons (BSEs), help avoid unintended/preventable side effects resulting from this technology, and aid in maximizing the benefits of EXO use in mining. The first study identified and assessed the opportunities for and feasibility of implementing EXOs in mining, through an online survey with industry stakeholders. Miners reported potential benefits of EXOs for lifting and overhead work and shared concerns about EXO use. They also emphasize the need to ensure task compatibility, comfort, and affordability to ensure safe and effective adoption in mining. The second study quantified the potential benefits and risks of using ASEs and BSEs for diverse manual mining tasks using controlled lab-based simulations. Both ASE and BSE effects were device- and task-specific. BSEs significantly reduced peak trunk extensor activity during lifting and overhead installation tasks, although perceptions of exertion and discomfort differed by device: soft BSE reduced perceived upper-back exertion, whereas rigid BSE increased waist/hip discomfort. ASEs also differed in their effects on total shoulder muscle activity across tasks, but their use reduced perceived exertion across most body regions with minimal reported discomfort. The third study assessed the effects of BSEs on trip and slip risks during load carriage on different surface slopes. Using both BSEs differentially altered minimum foot clearance (MFC) and required coefficient of friction (RCoF). Rigid BSEs increased right foot MFC and RCoF, whereas the soft BSE largely preserved baseline gait mechanics, with no significant effects on objective slip or trip risk metrics. Overall, we found that the efficacy of ASEs and BSEs are highly device- and task-dependent. These results provide critical insights to inform evidence-based guidelines for the safe implementation of occupational EXOs in mining and other physically demanding industries."]},{"key":"dc:description.abstractgeneral","label":"General Abstract","values":["Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain a major health concern in the mining industry, and mining workers are frequently exposed to physically demanding tasks that increase WMSD risks, such as lifting, carrying, overhead work, and working on surface slopes. Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are new ergonomic interventions to reduce physical demands and support worker safety. However, their use may present unexpected safety and usability challenges. In this dissertation, the benefits and risks of different types of arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) and back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) were evaluated in the context of manual mining tasks. The first study explored the perceptions of mining industry stakeholders about exoskeleton use through an online survey. Miners identified potential benefits for tasks such as lifting and overhead work, while also expressing concerns related to comfort, task compatibility, cost, and the need for adaptation. These findings highlight that there is clear potential for integrating EXOs into mining operations in both developed and developing countries. The second study evaluated the effects of passive ASEs and BSEs during controlled laboratory simulations of manual mining tasks. Both ASEs and BSEs altered physical demands, though their effects depended on the specific task and device design. Wearing BSEs reduced the physical demands on back muscles during lifting and overhead tasks, while ASEs reduced shoulder muscle demands and perceived exertion across tasks. The third study examined how rigid and soft passive BSEs affect trip and slip risk during load carriage on different surface slopes by analyzing gait-related safety measures, including minimum foot clearance and required coefficient of friction. Both rigid and soft BSEs have distinct effects on objective trip and slip risk indicators. Findings from this work show that there are potential benefits and risks of ASEs and BSEs for use in manual mining tasks, and that these potential outcomes are strongly dependent on task conditions and device design. These findings also provide practical guidance for the safe adoption and effective implementation of EXOs in the mining sector and other physically demanding work environments."]},{"key":"dc:description.degree","label":"Dc Description Degree","values":["Doctor of Philosophy"]},{"key":"dc:format.medium","label":"Dc Format Medium","values":["ETD"]},{"key":"dc:title","label":"Title","values":["Assessing the Effects of Exoskeletons on Physical Demands, Trip and Slip Risks, and User Perceptions in Manual Mining Tasks"]}]}],"canonical_facts":{"dc:contributor.committeechair":["Nussbaum, Maury A."],"dc:contributor.committeemember":["Kim, Sun Wook","Lim, Sol Ie","Madigan, Michael L."],"dc:contributor.department":["Industrial and Systems Engineering"],"dc:creator":["Akinwande, Feyisayo Alexander"],"dc:date.accessioned":["2026-02-26T09:00:08Z"],"dc:date.available":["2026-02-26T09:00:08Z"],"dc:date.issued":["2026-02-25"],"dc:description.abstract":["Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major health concern worldwide in the mining sector and are associated with frequent exposure to risk factors prevalent in manual mining tasks. Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising ergonomic intervention to mitigate WMSD risk, by reducing physical demands and improving work performance. The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the potential benefits of using EXOs for addressing health and safety challenges encountered by miners, while also examining the limitations associated with EXO use, as a means of providing new evidence to guide the effective selection and application of passive arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) and back-support exoskeletons (BSEs), help avoid unintended/preventable side effects resulting from this technology, and aid in maximizing the benefits of EXO use in mining. The first study identified and assessed the opportunities for and feasibility of implementing EXOs in mining, through an online survey with industry stakeholders. Miners reported potential benefits of EXOs for lifting and overhead work and shared concerns about EXO use. They also emphasize the need to ensure task compatibility, comfort, and affordability to ensure safe and effective adoption in mining. The second study quantified the potential benefits and risks of using ASEs and BSEs for diverse manual mining tasks using controlled lab-based simulations. Both ASE and BSE effects were device- and task-specific. BSEs significantly reduced peak trunk extensor activity during lifting and overhead installation tasks, although perceptions of exertion and discomfort differed by device: soft BSE reduced perceived upper-back exertion, whereas rigid BSE increased waist/hip discomfort. ASEs also differed in their effects on total shoulder muscle activity across tasks, but their use reduced perceived exertion across most body regions with minimal reported discomfort. The third study assessed the effects of BSEs on trip and slip risks during load carriage on different surface slopes. Using both BSEs differentially altered minimum foot clearance (MFC) and required coefficient of friction (RCoF). Rigid BSEs increased right foot MFC and RCoF, whereas the soft BSE largely preserved baseline gait mechanics, with no significant effects on objective slip or trip risk metrics. Overall, we found that the efficacy of ASEs and BSEs are highly device- and task-dependent. These results provide critical insights to inform evidence-based guidelines for the safe implementation of occupational EXOs in mining and other physically demanding industries."],"dc:description.abstractgeneral":["Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain a major health concern in the mining industry, and mining workers are frequently exposed to physically demanding tasks that increase WMSD risks, such as lifting, carrying, overhead work, and working on surface slopes. Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are new ergonomic interventions to reduce physical demands and support worker safety. However, their use may present unexpected safety and usability challenges. In this dissertation, the benefits and risks of different types of arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) and back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) were evaluated in the context of manual mining tasks. The first study explored the perceptions of mining industry stakeholders about exoskeleton use through an online survey. Miners identified potential benefits for tasks such as lifting and overhead work, while also expressing concerns related to comfort, task compatibility, cost, and the need for adaptation. These findings highlight that there is clear potential for integrating EXOs into mining operations in both developed and developing countries. The second study evaluated the effects of passive ASEs and BSEs during controlled laboratory simulations of manual mining tasks. Both ASEs and BSEs altered physical demands, though their effects depended on the specific task and device design. Wearing BSEs reduced the physical demands on back muscles during lifting and overhead tasks, while ASEs reduced shoulder muscle demands and perceived exertion across tasks. The third study examined how rigid and soft passive BSEs affect trip and slip risk during load carriage on different surface slopes by analyzing gait-related safety measures, including minimum foot clearance and required coefficient of friction. Both rigid and soft BSEs have distinct effects on objective trip and slip risk indicators. Findings from this work show that there are potential benefits and risks of ASEs and BSEs for use in manual mining tasks, and that these potential outcomes are strongly dependent on task conditions and device design. These findings also provide practical guidance for the safe adoption and effective implementation of EXOs in the mining sector and other physically demanding work environments."],"dc:description.degree":["Doctor of Philosophy"],"dc:format.medium":["ETD"],"dc:identifier.other":["vt_gsexam:45762"],"dc:identifier.uri":["https://hdl.handle.net/10919/141579"],"dc:language.iso":["en"],"dc:publisher":["Virginia Tech"],"dc:rights":["In Copyright"],"dc:rights.uri":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dc:subject":["Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders","Mining Industry","Ergonomic Intervention","Technology Adoption","Exoskeleton","Lifting and Overhead Work","Electromyography","Usability","Mining","Wearable Assistive Devices","Motion Capture","Trip and Slip","Surface Slop"],"dc:title":["Assessing the Effects of Exoskeletons on Physical Demands, Trip and Slip Risks, and User Perceptions in Manual Mining Tasks"],"dc:type":["Dissertation"],"thesis:degree_discipline":["Industrial and Systems Engineering"],"thesis:degree_level":["doctoral"],"thesis:degree_name":["Doctor of Philosophy"],"thesis:institution_name":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"]},"updated_at":"2026-07-22T22:19:18Z"}