SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH

1/25/2014
Superhuman Strength
Workers of the Future
By: Evens Lambert
HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH PAPER
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Abstract
The thought of being a Superhuman has fascinated us these past few decades as shown in
movies, such as Iron Man and in comic books from Marvel. With such a vested interest in the
super-human, it seems only natural that it would be brought to real life. Much of recent
technology strives to overcome the limits imposed on humans by physics. The researchers over
at Raytheons recent acquisition, Sarcos Lab, just took a step closer to achieving that super-
human strength. They designed a XOS exoskeleton that is capable of lifting over 200 pounds
without the operator breaking a sweat. The super-suit is being designed for the U.S. Army, to
help soldiers in the field. But with many problems with worker fatigue in manufacturing jobs and
jobs that require constant heavy lifting, can the XOS exoskeleton be the answer to solving those
problems? The objective of this research project is to explore the possibility of having the
exoskeleton used on workers whom everyday task requires heavy lifting and constant muscle
movement which causes fatigue and soreness. The exoskeleton can help workers work longer
hours at a faster pace, which would increase productivity, thus increasing profit. The XOS
exoskeleton suit is still in its development stage but researchers say that they should have a fully
working exoskeleton by the year 2020. Research studies like this would help so many people
because, the human body is designed to only work for a short period of time and can only exert a
certain amount of force. If it exceeds its limits, then plenty of rest would be needed so the body
can recuperate and avoid soreness. I believe that the XOS exoskeleton is the answer to many
problems faced today in the work field such as, worker fatigue and production speed. In the
future, what this exoskeleton can do for the human body will be limitless.
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Superhuman Strength: Workers of the Future
Ever since mankind existed, humans have always tried to find ways to enhance human
economy, strength, and endurance. No matter how complex the human body is, there are still
things that the human body cant do or has difficulties doing. The human body is designed to
only work for a short period of time and can only exert a certain amount of force. If it exceeds its
limits, then plenty of rest would be needed so the body can recuperate and avoid soreness. This
paper will explain the problems that are faced by workers in todays work field and show why
and how a life changing design can be the answer to solving those issues.
In todays world, many jobs are demanding a lot from their workers, placing a workload
on the human body. Not surprised, job demands are among the most frequently cited
occupational stressors for full-time employees, many of whom are experiencing increased levels
of work-related fatigue (MacDonald, W., 2003). Constant movement of the body can cause long
term issues to the worker. As stated in Niebels 13th edition book called Niebel's methods,
standards, and work design; many workers develop Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders,
which is, Injuries to the musculoskeletal system that develop gradually as a result of repeated
micro trauma due to poor design and the excessive use of hand tools and other equipment. These
injuries can affect the worker and also the company. Companies lose money when workers are
not working at their peak efficiency due to fatigue or injury.
One design I believe that will solve all the problems workers have in the work field and
also change the way human think is the XOS exoskeleton by Raytheon. The XOS exoskeleton is
a super-suit that is being designed for the U.S. Army that can lift over 200 pounds without the
operator breaking a sweat. The exoskeleton can help workers work longer hours at a faster pace,
which would increase productivity, thus increasing profit. The worker wont have to do a lot of
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movement thus avoiding developing injuries, soreness and even disorders caused by the
excessive workload.
Methods
Design of Suit









How it Works




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Advantages





Disadvantages










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Results
Future Use





Cost









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Discussion




Summary and conclusion






Acknowledgment





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Bibliography
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Directions. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 6(1), 21.
Kazerooni, H. (2007). Human Augmentation and Exoskeleton Systems in Berkeley.
International Journal of Humanoid Robotics, 04(03), 575.
Kessel, A. (2009, June 11). Raytheon XOS 2 Exoskeleton, Second-Generation Robotics Suit,
United States of America. Army-Technology.com. Retrieved February 2, 2014, from
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/raytheon-xos-2-exoskeleton-us/
MacDonald, W. (2003). The Impact of Job Demands and Workload on Stress and Fatigue.
Australian Psychologist, 38(2), 102-117.
Niebel, B. W., & Freivalds, A. (2013). Niebel's methods, standards, and work design (Thirteenth
ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Ponsford, M. (2013, April 22). Robot exoskeleton suits that could make us superhuman. CNN.
Retrieved February 2, 2014, from
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/22/tech/innovation/exoskeleton-robot-suit/