Becoming a User: Understanding the Journeys Towards the Adoption of Occupational Exoskeletons

Despite their potential to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), occupational exoskeletons are often abandoned by users over time. This retrospective study investigates the conditions that foster sustained use of such devices in the workplace. We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with exoskeleton users (24 men, 3 women). From these, a subset of 12 users—those who reported sustained and habitual use—was selected for in-depth analysis. A cluster analysis based on self-reported usage duration and habituation levels enabled the identification of this group. Thematic analysis of these 12 interviews revealed three key, interconnected themes associated with continued use: (1) identify one or more significant reasons for the usage; (2) benefit from engaging first interactions and (3) actively search for a satisfactory usage. These findings contribute to understanding how users construct meaningful and lasting engagement with occupational exoskeletons, and they offer practical insights to inform implementation and support strategies aimed at reducing device rejection and enhancing sustained adoption.