Acceptability Beyond Usability: A Manufacturing Case Study

This study is a part of an innovation project carried on in ErgoLab, the ergonomics laboratory of FCA in Turin, with the aim of evaluating the use of a passive exoskeleton for upper limbs in automotive manufacturing tasks. The introduction of new technologies into a production environment is not always effective, because workers often don't use them. It is therefore important that future users accept this innovation. With the aim of evaluating Usability and Acceptability, the testing protocol included various data collection techniques: observation during simulated work tasks, interviews, a TAM2 questionnaire in order to analyse acceptability and, finally a focus group. Overall results showed that workers judge the exoskeleton positively because of evidence that activities can be performed with reduced physical effort. The device is perceived as useful especially in tasks requiring precision. The evaluation showed a good human-device interaction, but the workers involved in the tests consider the work-device interaction a critical point. On closer inspection, workers reported perceived ease of use, voluntariness and results demonstrability but little intention of using it and perceived usefulness. The results of the focus group are consistent with individual results: workers state that the exoskeleton is useful for performing certain activities, but its use should be voluntary.