Creative Design: Graduate

Work-Assist Exoskeleton Harness for Female Construction Workers

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Abstract

The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of construction workers; to address this gap, the construction industry is recruiting women at an unprecedented rate. However, a persistent issue for women in construction is the lack of well-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE). To mitigate potential losses and labor turnover due to RSIs and to attract more women, many industries are PPE like exoskeletons to reduce biomechanical load and muscle activity during repetitive tasks. This harness design focuses on fitting lower limb work-assist exoskeletons to the body through ergonomic patterning tailored for female anatomy, enhancing both comfort and ease of movement. The final work-assist exoskeleton harness uses a backpack-like construction on the upper body with 3D-printed leg braces. A bright orange color was chosen for the main harness components to provide maximum visibility and increase safety for wearers.

Keywords: exoskeleton, functional design, women, construction

How to Cite:

Taylor, M., Stannard, C. R. & Xia, S., (2025) “Work-Assist Exoskeleton Harness for Female Construction Workers”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21907