Assistive technologies and the human factor in warehousing: the impact of active exoskeleton on operators and picking performances

Warehousing plays a crucial role in modern supply chains, and picking activities, essential for warehouse operations, remain heavily reliant on human operators, often exposed to repetitive tasks and physical strain, increasing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). In this context, assistive technologies such as exoskeletons have emerged as promising solutions to enhance operator well-being and efficiency. This study investigates the impact of active exoskeletons on human operators and performances in parts-to-picker tasks. Using bio-signals (EMG and EEG), self-reported metrics, and productivity measures, the study evaluates impacts on human factors, i.e., on physical, cognitive, and perceived workloads, as well as on picking productivity, under varying operational conditions, finding a potential reduction of 23% of maximum muscular activity with active exoskeleton, associated to a possible reduction of productivity. The study contributes to the academic and practical understanding of assistive technologies in warehousing, offering insights into human factors and technology interplay.