Exoskeleton Effects on Amplitude Distribution of Muscle Signals during Oil Palm Fruit Harvesting

This study investigated the effect of soft exoskeleton on harvesters’ muscle activation. The amplitude probability distribution function (APDF) analysis on surface electromyography (SEMG) data was used to observe the fluctuation of muscle activation during the harvesting task. The measured muscles were biceps brachii, trapezius, and lumbar erector spinae. Five experienced harvesters from a plantation at Tanah Laut Regency participated in this field experiment. They cut the fronds and fruit bunches using a 5 -meter-long pole sickle without and with the soft exoskeleton. The APDF values which indicate the accumulative and variability of muscle activation suggest that the exoskeleton cannot improve the motor control strategy of the harvesters, as further adaptation to the new technology is needed. Combining the APDF approach with other methods is necessary to design a better exoskeleton and harvesting work management.