Passive or Active Exoskeletons
Exoskeletons are wearable, mechanical structures that work in tandem with a user. Passive exoskeletons, which are not motorized, are often used for ergonomic support, to prevent repetitive stress injuries, or to help hold tools or equipment. Active, or powered, exoskeletons can aid in lifting heavy objects while reducing the potential for musculoskeletal injuries.
Hazardous situations they mitigate:
Exoskeletons can come in the forms of powered gloves, “chairless chairs” or full-body devices among others, according to our research for the Safety Technology 2020 paper.