An exoskeleton pilot: what should you record after the demonstration?

Start with the process, not the device

NIOSH’s ergonomics-program approach brings job assessment, risk controls and follow-up evaluation together. Exoskeleton evaluation should not be detached from the workplace’s existing ergonomics process.

Write a one-page pilot definition

The following is an editorial proposal prepared for Vitruvex, not an approved test standard or clinical protocol. Task boundaries, wearer suitability, training and stopping conditions need to be agreed with competent safety/ergonomics staff and the manufacturer before field use.

1. Decision question: What do we need to learn about which task?
2. Scope: Task, workspace, device version and responsible evaluator.
3. Comparison: How records with and without the device will be matched under comparable conditions.
4. Prerequisites: Manufacturer instructions, fitting, training and required workplace approvals.
5. Decision: Criteria for proceeding, revising or stopping, recorded before results are interpreted.

Keep the core fields consistent

Use a participant code rather than a name, then record task, shift, device version/settings, actual wear time, work volume, breaks, removal reasons and field observations. Device-comfort questions are not applicable on device-free records. Record workload differences separately; do not mistake a quieter shift for a device benefit.

Use three separate result lines

Workflow: task completion and interruptions. Wearer experience: fit, comfort and willingness to use again. Technical continuity: adjustment needs, battery and fault records. Review these separately rather than compressing them into one success score. Mark missing data as missing, not zero.

Make smaller decisions first

A valid outcome need not be 'roll out to everyone'. Revising the fit and repeating the same task, or ruling out a task, can also be useful. A short pilot does not establish health outcomes or long-term productivity. Discussions about V-UP must reflect its engineering-prototype status and validation needs.

Do not turn evaluation into worker surveillance

The suggested record is for product–task fit, not ranking employees. Limit fields to what is needed, define access and keep health data out of general contact forms. The organization’s own data-processing and retention rules need separate consideration.