Repetitive movements, awkward positioning, and ongoing strain can build up over time, often leading to expensive musculoskeletal injuries that may take weeks to recover from.
To address this, engineers at The University of Texas at Arlington have created a soft robotic exoskeleton designed not only to support movement but to physically reduce the burden on the body.
Known as the Pneumatically Actuated Soft Elbow Exoskeleton (PASE), the system relies on a silicone pneumatic actuator — a soft, air-powered mechanism — to assist arm movement during common industrial activities such as lifting, assembly, and drilling.
Lightweight Design Reduces Injury Risk
Its lightweight, flexible build is intended to lower the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, which make up nearly 30% of workplace injuries in the U.S. and lead to annual costs of $45–54 billion.
“Our goal was to create a device that prevents muscle strain,” said Eshwara Prasad Sridhar, noting it can easily integrate with existing factory pneumatic systems.
Funded by UTA’s Interdisciplinary Research Program, the project involved Rahman, Wijesundara, Erel, Sridhar, and support from the UTA Research Institute.
Single-Piece Design Maximizes Comfort and Natural Movement
PASE’s single-piece silicone design on a carbon-fiber base offers lightweight, comfortable support that moves naturally with the elbow.
In testing, 19 participants aged 18 to 45 used the device while performing three tasks: manual lifting, basic assembly work, and power drilling.
When activated, the exoskeleton lowered biceps and triceps muscle activity by as much as 22% during lifting tasks. Participants also reported an 8–10 point drop in both physical and mental effort on the NASA Task Load Index.
Engineering Solutions That Prevent Injuries and Improve Workplace Safety
“Even preventing or postponing a single workplace injury can make a significant difference,” said Veysel Erel, who heads the soft robotics program at the UTA Research Institute. “Work like this shows how engineering can directly enhance quality of life by easing fatigue, reducing strain, and making workplaces safer.”
Building on these results, researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington have submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation to expand the design into a full upper-limb exoskeleton that supports not only the elbow but also the wrist and fingers.
“This kind of interdisciplinary work is central to UTA’s mission,” Erel added. “By bringing together expertise in robotics, mechanical engineering, and human factors, we’re developing solutions that benefit both industry and everyday life.”
Read the original article on: interestingengineering
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