Occupational exoskeletons are designed to support workers in strenuous tasks and to promote health, yet their implementation and use often present challenges due to the close interaction between wearer and device. This study explored user perceptions of occupational exoskeletons through qualitative focus groups conducted after participants had gained hands-on experience with 16 different devices in four-hour trials. Key findings highlight users’ feedback on system sound, design, and support, movement restriction and wearer comfort, and underscore the important role of bodily sensations—alongside factors, such as usability and appearance—in exoskeleton user experience. A central discovery was the existence of conflicts between user preferences, for instance, between light-weight designs and effective user support. Based on these insights, we highlight implications for human-centered design of exoskeletons and aim to inspire further research within the human–computer interaction community.

Researchers in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) increasingly consider Virtual Reality (VR) for running user studies that would otherwise require physical robots. Yet it remains unclear when VR can serve as a valid proxy for real-world interaction. We present a preregistered comparison between two studies in which participants completed tasks with either a physically present cobot (N = 61) or its virtual twin (N = 39) in an immersive collaboration game. Procedures, game environment, task flow, and robot behavior were held constant across settings; the primary difference was the robot's embodiment. Our work delivers (1) a direct comparison of user perceptions and behavioral outcomes (e.g., attitudes, trust, presence, task completion time); (2) a replication test of an experimental manipulation (two different introductory tutorials); and (3) an analysis of study execution costs. Our results show no significant differences in any of the subjective self-reports between the virtual and physical robot, but task durations were longer with the physical robot, and tutorial effects replicated only partially across settings. Study costs were substantially lower for VR. Together, these findings provide a holistic assessment of VR's suitability as a complementary tool for HRI research, offering guidance for future study design and resource planning.

Occupational exoskeletons constitute a new assistive technology for industrial workers. In the social context of the workplace, colleagues are likely to react to the noticeable appearance of these devices. Drawing on established technology acceptance theories and recent exoskeleton research, we addressed the following issues: (1) What is the effect of co-worker feedback and self-perceived attractiveness on workers’ intention to use an exoskeleton over time? And (2) do these variables predict intention to use beyond perceived usefulness and ease of use? We examined these questions in a one-week diary study with 22 industrial workers. They tested passive exoskeletons during their regular work for six consecutive days and completed a short questionnaire including evaluations of perceived usefulness, ease of use, attractiveness, and social feedback received on a daily basis. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical linear models (HLM). Results showed that usefulness (but not ease of use) significantly predicted intention to use an exoskeleton. Over and above, self-perceived attractiveness significantly affected initial intention to use, whereas the effects of social feedback unfolded over time. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the social dynamics experienced by users of wearable technology.

The potential of occupational exoskeletons can only be realized if workers are willing to wear them on their bodies. As classical technology acceptance theories originate in research into information technology, they do not sufficiently cover the peculiarities of exoskeletons, and thus greater focus is needed on factors that specifically shape intentions to use them. Involving three companies from food retail and logistics, we conducted guided focus groups with 18 workers who perform material handling tasks in their daily work. Participants discussed the envisioned benefits, risks, and conditions related to the adoption of exoskeletons. Consistent with established technology acceptance models, performance-related and effort-related factors were found to be highly recognized. Participants also highlighted factors such as wellbeing, fairness, and the altered physical appearance of wearers, which was considered important in social contexts at work. Complementing established factors with new exoskeleton-specific determinants, our results are a valuable starting point for further exoskeleton user studies.