# Active Arm-Support Industrial Exoskeleton to Reduce Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs)

> **NIH ALLCDC R43** · INNOVATIVE DESIGN LABS, INC. · 2024 · $302,409

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The proposed project focuses on creating an active assistance arm-support exoskeleton to reduce work-
related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in careers requiring manual labor. Significance: WRMSDs are
highly prevalent and costly in industrialized countries, causing the sufferers significant personal, social, and
economic pain. The majority of these ailments occur in the upper body (arms, back and neck regions). The
main objective of industrial exoskeletons is to aid workers by reducing the physical fatigue, discomfort, and
overuse injuries caused by performing repetitive overhead and lifting motions. The current generation of
passive industrial, upper-body exoskeleton store energy mechanically by loading a spring during the arm
descending phase. This action impedes the user's normal motion and shifts energy expenditure rather than
supplement it. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the creation of an intelligent, active exoskeleton can eliminate
this shortcoming and improve user satisfaction by providing more lifting assistance dynamically on demand.
Specific Aims: In Phase I the following aims are proposed: 1) Perform pilot data collection, 2) Develop Active
Industrial exoskeleton prototype with user intent control, and 3) Evaluate system performance and validate
safety.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10919980
- **Project number:** 1R43OH012650-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** INNOVATIVE DESIGN LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** John Kablan
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** ALLCDC
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $302,409
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10919980

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10919980, Active Arm-Support Industrial Exoskeleton to Reduce Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) (1R43OH012650-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10919980. Licensed CC0.

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