Exoskeletons

Exoskeletons

Forestry, nursery and vineyard industries have the highest musculoskeletal disorder rates (60 per 1000 workers in forestry, 40 per 1000 workers in nursery and 80 per 1000 workers in vineyard). These MSD rates are almost 100 times higher than the industrial targets set by NIOSH (Healthy People, 2000). This disproportionately high injury rate is due to the physically demanding nature of the work performed in harsh outdoor environments posing various physical risk factors.

Dr. Jay Kim's exoskeleton research investigates biomechanical loads associated with various forestry tasks and the application of exoskeleton technology to improve health and well-being of forestry and agriculture workers.

One completed study showed muscle activity significantly decreased by 29.3-58.1% with a passive exoskeleton system used in an overhead drilling task. Ongoing studies include one evaluating the efficacy of exoskeletons on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in manual timber felling as well as a "Smart Forestry" project evaluating exoskeletons on the sustainability and longevity of forestry workers in Oregon.

Dr. Kim's exoskeleton research also focuses on Virtual/Augmented Reality (VR/AR) use as a computer-human interface. VR/AR poses substantial shoulder strain because the upper extremities are required to use large movements to control the devices.  Postural support in the form of exoskeletons may reduce shoulder and neck strain from such VR/AR interactions.

If you are interested in exoskeleton research, contact Dr. Kim.