Wearable Robot Acceptance: Understanding the Impact of Trialability on User Perception

9 pages•Published: December 11, 2023

Chukwuma Nnaji, Ifeanyi Okpala and Ibukun Awolusi

Abstract

The use of emerging technologies such as Wearable Robots (WRs) or exoskeletons has gained considerable attention in the construction industry in recent times. WRs or exoskeletons augment workers' physical capacity when performing physically demanding tasks. While there is growing interest in exoskeletons, existing literature suggests that some workers oppose WR use on job sites. This resistance is largely driven by second-hand information gathered through multiple channels, and not based on actual use. Therefore, it is important to assess how hands-on experience (trialability) influences the end-user perception of the use of exoskeletons. To fill this gap, the researcher utilized a mixed-method approach consisting of a structured literature review, controlled experiment, and surveys (pre-post experiment surveys). Statistical analyses revealed that in most cases, trialability had a positive influence on technology acceptance constructs assessed (including “Behavioral Intention to Use”), confirming the important role of hands-on experience in exoskeleton integration research and practice.

Keyphrases: exoskeleton, technology acceptance, trialability, wearable robots

In: Tom Leathem, Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 59th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 4, pages 793-801.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/QqRz
	https://doi.org/10.29007/xfs3

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2023:Wearable_Robot_Acceptance_Understanding,
  author    = {Chukwuma Nnaji and Ifeanyi Okpala and Ibukun Awolusi},
  title     = {Wearable Robot Acceptance: Understanding the Impact of Trialability on User Perception},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of 59th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference},
  editor    = {Tom Leathem and Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {4},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/QqRz},
  doi       = {10.29007/xfs3},
  pages     = {793-801},
  year      = {2023}}

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