May 2024 Volume 6

FORGING RESEARCH

taining consistent movements, leading to higher quality output and fewer defects. The precision offered by exoskeletons is particularly valuable in complex tasks that demand careful control and accuracy. Worker Safety: The safety of workers is a top priority in any manu facturing environment. The physically demanding nature of the forging industry, which often involves heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and exposure to high temperatures, can lead to musculo skeletal injuries over time. Robotic exoskeletons reduce the strain on workers' bodies, lowering the risk of injuries such as strains, sprains, and fatigue-related accidents. This not only protects workers' health but also reduces downtime and workers' compensation costs for manufacturers. Adaptability and Customization: Modern robotic exoskeletons offer a high degree of adaptability and customization to suit different user needs and task requirements. Manufacturers can choose or develop exoskeletons tailored to specific processes, work environ ments, and worker preferences. This versatility ensures that exoskel etons seamlessly integrate into existing workflows while maximizing their benefits. Training and Skill Enhancement: Introducing robotic exoskele tons into business operations also presents opportunities for training and skill enhancement. Workers can learn to operate and leverage

exoskeletons effectively, improving their overall efficiency and job satisfaction. Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies in exoskeletons, such as augmented reality interfaces, can facilitate real time guidance and feedback for workers, further enhancing their skills and productivity. Robotic exoskeletons hold immense potential for revolutionizing the forging industry by enhancing productivity, improving worker safety, promoting ergonomic practices, and facilitating skill develop ment. As technology continues to advance and exoskeleton designs evolve, we can expect these devices to play an increasingly integral role in industrial sectors, leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable manufacturing practices.

In terms of the number of joints that felt strained after a work shift, the wrist was the most prevalent with 28%, followed by the back (22%). Overall, 61% of the subjects reporting some form of joint pain, however only two subjects reported having chronic injuries. In conclusion, this pilot study of workers in a forging plant showed that, in general, indi viduals felt safe and that this was associated with good lighting conditions and safety protocols in place. Joints most commonly affected involved the wrist and back. Of the 18 subjects who provided feedback, two had a chronic musculoskeletal condition. Future work should look at larger sample sizes, examine tool redesign and possibly examine the use of exoskeletons for aiding tasks that place strain on the back and/or upper extremity. Acknowledgments FIERF provided funding to support this pilot research project. Credit also goes to those who volunteered to provide survey data. Without their involvement, this study would not have been possible.

References • Chaffin, DB, Fine, LJ. (1992). A National strategy for occupational musculoskeletal injuries; implementation issues and research needs : 1991 conference summary. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (U.S.), Michigan Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering. DHHS publica tion: (NIOSH) 93-101. URL : https:// stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/6901 • Nelson NA, Hughes RE (2009). Quanti fying relationships between selected work related risk factors and back pain: A systematic review of objective biomechanical measures and cost-related health outcomes. International Journal of Industrial Ergo nomics, 39(1) 202-210. • Punnett L, Prüss-Utün A, Nelson DI, Fing erhut MA, Leigh J, Tak S, Phillips S. Esti mating the global burden of low back pain attributable to combined occupational expo sures. Am J Ind Med. 2005 Dec;48(6):459 69. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20232. PMID: 16299708.

Brian L. Davis Associate Dean, Washkewicz College of Engineering Cleveland State University Phone: 216-687-2556 Email: B.L.Davis@csuohio.edu

Grace Curtician Graduate Student Cleveland State University

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2024 91