The Adoption of Occupational Exoskeletons: From Acceptability to Situated Acceptance, Questionnaire Surveys

Abstract

The objective of this study was to better understand the process of adopting occupational exoskeletons and the phases of acceptability and acceptance in particular. The studies focused mainly on acceptance. This topic given considerable attention, particularly in the framework of information systems, whereas it received less attention in the case of occupational exoskeletons. A questionnaire for studying both acceptability and acceptance based on the UTAUT and the concepts of Situated Acceptance was designed. This questionnaire was organized around seven dimensions comprising a total of 33 items. Two data collection campaigns were performed. They were composed of two samples of respondents with different characteristics. To explore correlations within these seven dimensions and the acceptability and/or acceptance of exoskeletons, PLS path modeling, i.e., causal modeling, was used. The results show that the same dimensions are involved in the acceptability and acceptance processes. However, the dimensions are organized differently and have different impacts according to it is acceptability or acceptance. The models were identified, their formalization as dimensions and their operationalization in questionnaire form were validated. This questionnaire is a subjective tool for assessing exoskeletons that permits identifying elements that impede or facilitate acceptance. It permits monitoring the dynamics of the different dimensions involved in acceptance during the utilization of exoskeletons by operators. Lastly, from a more qualitative standpoint, it could also be used as an interview guide for exchanges with future users or users.

Keywords:

• New technology
• occupational risks
• prevention
• human device interaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Liên Wioland

Liên Wioland is a researcher in ergonomics in the Working Life Department of the National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), France. She received her PhD in cognitive ergonomics in 1997.

Jean-Jacques Atain Kouadio

Jean-Jacques Atain Kouadio is an Expert Assistant in the Working Life Department of INRS. He obtained his master’s degree in Higher Specialized Studies in Sciences of Physical and Sports Activities in 1993 and his master of Advanced Studies in bioenergetics and biomechanics of Physical and Sports Activities in 1997.

Hugo Bréard

Hugo Bréard participated in this study as a master's student in the Working Life Department of INRS. Now he is an industry-oriented PhD student supervised by the Polytechnic Institute of Paris and Renault Group. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Social, Industrial, and Organizational Psychology in 2021.

Isabelle Clerc-Urmès

Isabelle Clerc-Urmès is a researcher in statistics in the Working Life Department of INRS. She received her PhD in public health and biostatistics in 2011.

Benjamin Paty

Benjamin Paty is the head manager of the Ergonomics and Psychology Applied to Prevention Laboratory (EPAP) of the Working Life Department of INRS. He received his PhD in Psychology in 2004.