Conference overview
Manual handling of materials and patients remains a leading cause of work-related MSD in Ontario. The use of exoskeletons as personal protective equipment is a technology advancement that is being considered across multiple industries. With many designs and brands available, exoskeletons have been marketed as a simple and effective solution to prevent MSD in the workplace. Putting the sales and marketing aside, practitioners and companies need to be aware of their strengths and limitations to determine appropriate applications and where exoskeletons fit within the hierarchy of controls.
This conference will explore the current research evaluating their use along with their potential role in the prevention of MSD. Exoskeletons, whether active or passive, have been claimed to enhance physical performance while providing a practical ergonomic strategy for the prevention of MSD. This conference will profile the scientific evaluations, industrial implementation and discuss the processes involved in deciding to implement exoskeletons, potential benefits, limitations, and impact of their adoption.
Program
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30 - 9:00 | Registration and Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00 - 9:15 | Welcome and Introductions Dr. Jack Callaghan, CRE-MSD, University of Waterloo |
| 9:15 - 9:30 | Opening Remarks Bill Roy, Prevention Office, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development |
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Keynote Presentation Occupational Exoskeletons: Evidence of the Benefits, Potential Limitations, and Future Research Needed Dr. Maury Nussbaum, Virginia Tech |
| 10:30 - 11:00 | Break and Exoskeleton Interactions |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Standards for Industrial Exoskeletons and Exosuits Dr. Donald Peterson, Northern Illinois University |
| 11:30 - 12:15 | Industry Implementation and Supporting Research Seth Burt, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada; Dr. Clark Dickerson, University of Waterloo |
| 12:15 - 1:15 | Lunch and Exoskeleton Interactions |
| 1:15 - 2:00 | Industry Implementation and Supporting Research Marty Smets, Ford Motor Company; Dr. Maury Nussbaum, Virginia Tech |
| 2:00 - 2:45 | Industrial Implementation Panel - Discussion and Q&A Session Chaired by Dr. Steven Fischer, CRE-MSD, University of Waterloo David Brodie, Cargill Seth Burt, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Michael Hutchinson, Boeing Marty Smets, Ford Motor Company |
| 2:45 - 3:00 | Closing Dr. Jack Callaghan, CRE-MSD, University of Waterloo |
Location
Centre for Health & Safety Innovation
Conference Centre
5110 Creekbank Road
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 0A1
Resources
Introduction
Dr. Jack Callaghan
Presentation slides (PDF)
Presentation recording (VIDEO)
Keynote Presentation
Dr. Maury Nussbaum
Presentation slides (PDF)
Presentation recording (VIDEO)
Standards for Industrial Exoskeletons and Exosuits Presentation
Dr. Donald Peterson
Presentation slides (PDF)
Morning Industry Implementation and Supporting Research Presentation
Seth Burt & Dr. Clark Dickerson
Presentation slides (PDF)
Afternoon Industry Implementation and Supporting Research Presentation
Marty Smets & Dr. Maury Nussbaum
Presentation slides (PDF)
For assistance, please contact Betina Butler at bbutler@uwaterloo.ca.
Disclaimer: CRE-MSD receives funding through a grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The views expressed are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre nor of the Province of Ontario.