In this webinar
The updating of traditional work practices has begun to include the use of exoskeletons. These devices not only enhance physical performance but also provide a practical ergonomic strategy to help reduce MSD such as those caused by demands put on shoulders in overhead related work. How a company decides on what processes need an exoskeleton and the benefits, limitations and impact of their implementation, are highlighted in this partnered webinar by Toyota and CRE-MSD.
This free webinar will provide an overview of how Toyota implemented this innovative technology to enhance employee protection and the potential impact on MSD.
About the presenters
Seth Burt, Health and Safety Specialist, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
Seth has practiced Ergonomics and Safety in various industries such as energy generation/distribution, municipality, and automotive supplier manufacturing. Currently Seth works as a Health and Safety professional at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. He develops and supports safety/ergonomic tools, standards and procedures for use at the local and North American facilities. He more recently leads manufacturing ergonomics practices for new Toyota/Lexus models built in Canada. Seth is a member on the Automotive Exoskeleton Group (AExG) formed and lead by Toyota North America and sponsored via the Wearable Robotics Association. Seth is also a committee member for the F48 Exoskeleton and Exosuit Standard developed by American Standard and Testing Methods (ASTM). Seth has a BSc in Kinesiology with an Ergonomics Specialization from the University of Waterloo and is a designated Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE).
Clark Dickerson, Professor and Associate Director, CRE-MSD, University of Waterloo
Clark is a Professor and Canada Research Chair of Shoulder Mechanics in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on identifying, quantifying, and reducing work-related risk to shoulder health.
To quantify the impact of work on the shoulder, he develops and experimentally evaluates various biomechanical computer models that incorporate personal (i.e. fatigue, body composition, aging) and occupational (physical loads, postures, repetition) risk factors. His laboratory and field-based experiments typically feature direct measurement of exposures and demands, including general joint loads, perceptual responses to work, and muscular recruitment patterns. His work has tangibly supported ergonomics decision-making across automotive, health care, telecommunications, military, manufacturing, warehousing, and service industries.
His research produces new foundational knowledge that can help to improve the safety and usability of workspaces and other man-machine interfaces, thus reducing the frequency and severity of occupational shoulder injuries. His laboratory, The Digital Industrial Ergonomics and Shoulder Evaluation Laboratory (DIESEL) has published over 130 peer-reviewed scientific research papers related to aspects of shoulder health since 2005. He has been an Associate Director of Research for CRE-MSD since 2016.
Webinar resources
Webinar recording (Webex)
Password: Exoskeleton2021
Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
Other resources:
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, Training and Skills Development. The views expressed are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre nor of the Province of Ontario.