NeoSomaTech
Can you wear an exoskeleton all day?
The answer in detail
No text sets a maximum wearing time for an exoskeleton. The answer depends on the type of device, the person and their job. Makers of light passive exoskeletons, such as Hapo, present their models as designed for use over a whole working day; these are manufacturer claims.
INRS is more cautious. In its frequently asked questions, updated in 2018, the institute states that there are no precise indications on the time needed to master an exoskeleton, and that long-term effects are not known, as these technologies are relatively recent.
What the sources say
Here are the INRS points that concern prolonged wear.
- Adaptation: the employer must plan a familiarization program before deployment, so that the operator builds new movement references.
- Long-term effects: they are not known; follow-up of users by occupational health services is necessary.
- Shifted constraints: an exoskeleton can limit some constraints, but that is not enough to eliminate all risks of musculoskeletal disorders, and constraints can move to other parts of the body.
- Cardiac effort: during some handling tasks, the weight of the system can have an effect: a 15% increase in cardiac cost was observed with an arm-assist exoskeleton of about 9 kg.
- Stress: without support, use can lead to increased stress.
Depending on your situation
At work, the question is settled with the occupational health and prevention service: INRS asks for the value and limits to be assessed for each employee according to their health and work situation. A device designed for one employee may not suit another, because of their build or physical condition.
Weight matters too. The product pages of Hapo passive exoskeletons state from 0.350 kg (Hapo NECK) to 1.87 kg (Hapo UP), whereas the example studied by INRS weighed about 9 kg. For a powered walking exoskeleton, the range stated by manufacturers limits assistance time to one battery in any case; see our article on charging a powered exoskeleton.
What to ask a healthcare professional
These questions, to ask before wearing an exoskeleton for long periods, help frame the trial with the occupational physician or another healthcare professional.
- Do my health and my job allow me to wear this exoskeleton?
- How long can I wear it at first, and how should I build up gradually?
- Which signals (discomfort, pain, unusual fatigue) should make me stop and see someone?
- How can I organize long-term follow-up with the occupational health service?
Key takeaways
Some light passive exoskeletons can be worn over a long day according to their manufacturers, but no duration is officially validated, and INRS stresses the lack of hindsight on long-term effects. Start gradually, get assessed by the occupational physician and track how you feel. This is not medical advice: if you feel discomfort or pain, stop and see a healthcare professional. For context, read our feature on back pain at work.