What Users Like and Don't Like About Occupational Exoskeletons: Experiences and Implications From a Focus Group Study

Occupational exoskeletons are designed to support workers in strenuous tasks and to promote health, yet their implementation and use often present challenges due to the close interaction between wearer and device. This study explored user perceptions of occupational exoskeletons through qualitative focus groups conducted after participants had gained hands-on experience with 16 different devices in four-hour trials. Key findings highlight users’ feedback on system sound, design, and support, movement restriction and wearer comfort, and underscore the important role of bodily sensations—alongside factors, such as usability and appearance—in exoskeleton user experience. A central discovery was the existence of conflicts between user preferences, for instance, between light-weight designs and effective user support. Based on these insights, we highlight implications for human-centered design of exoskeletons and aim to inspire further research within the human–computer interaction community.