Repository logo

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
  1. Home
  2. Academic and Research Output
  3. Conferences, Workshops, Symposiums, and Seminars
  4. User-centered Design and Evaluation of Physical Interfaces for an Exoskeleton for Paraplegic Users
 
conference paper

User-centered Design and Evaluation of Physical Interfaces for an Exoskeleton for Paraplegic Users

Meyer, Jan T.
•
Schrade, Stefan O.
•
Lambercy, Olivier
Show more
July 29, 2019
2019 IEEE 16th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR)
2019 IEEE 16th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR)

Over the last decade, the use of wearable exoskeletons for human locomotion assistance has become more feasible. The VariLeg powered lower limb robotic exoskeleton is an example of such systems, potentially enabling paraplegic users to perform upright activities of daily living. The acceptance of this type of robotic assistive technologies is often still affected by limited usability, in particular regarding the physical interface between the exoskeleton and the user (here referred to as pilot). In this study, we proposed and evaluated a novel pilot attachment system (PAS), which was designed based on user-centered design with experienced paraplegic exoskeleton users. Subjective assessments to compare usability aspects of the initial and the redesigned physical interfaces were conducted with two paraplegic and five healthy pilots. The redesigned PAS showed a 45% increase in the system usability scale (SUS), normalized to the PAS of a commercial exoskeleton assessed in the same manner. Pain rating scales assessed with healthy pilots indicated an increased comfort using the redesigned PAS while performing several activities of daily living. Overall, an improvement in usability relative to the initial PAS was achieved through intensified user evaluation and individual needs assessments. Hence, a user-centered design of physical body-machine interfaces has the potential to positively influence the usability and acceptance of lower limb exoskeletons for paraplegic users.

  • Details
  • Metrics
Type
conference paper
DOI
10.1109/ICORR.2019.8779527
Author(s)
Meyer, Jan T.
Schrade, Stefan O.
Lambercy, Olivier
Gassert, Roger
Date Issued

2019-07-29

Published in
2019 IEEE 16th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR)
Start page

1159

End page

1166

Subjects

Exoskeletons

•

Usability

•

Robots

•

Hip

•

Thigh

•

Assistive technology

•

Prototypes

URL

Paper

https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/bitstream/handle/20.500.11850/360416/Meyer_ICORR_final_published.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

OTHER

EPFL units
NCCR-ROBOTICS  
Event nameEvent placeEvent date
2019 IEEE 16th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR)

Toronto, ON, Canada

June 24-28, 2019

Available on Infoscience
October 31, 2019
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/162604
Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
  • Contact
  • infoscience@epfl.ch

  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • Follow us on X
  • Follow us on Youtube
AccessibilityLegal noticePrivacy policyCookie settingsEnd User AgreementGet helpFeedback

Infoscience is a service managed and provided by the Library and IT Services of EPFL. © EPFL, tous droits réservés