Evaluating the Role of Short-Term Pilots in Exoskeleton Adoption in Construction

Construction work exposes frontline workers to high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to frequent lifting, bending, and overhead tasks. However, due to the dynamic operations and complex nature of construction work, frontline workers remain hesitant to adopt and integrate exoskeleton technology into their work environment. This study investigated the role of short-term pilot trials in influencing frontline workers’ acceptance of exoskeleton technology. A two-phased mixed-methods design was employed, integrating pre- and post-trial surveys with semistructured interviews. Eighteen construction students participated in controlled laboratory simulations, while 16 frontline workers completed a 3-h pilot trial on two active construction sites using a passive back-support exoskeleton. Quantitative results revealed significant improvements in perceived performance expectancy from a mean value of 2.43 to 3.52 (p<0.001), an increase of 1.09; effort expectancy rose from 2.34 to 3.32 (p=0.0439), an increase of 0.98; and behavioral intention to use exoskeletons rising from 2.38 to 3.65 (p=0.0003), an increase of 1.27. Qualitative feedback highlighted key barriers, including discomfort from straps, challenges with tool access, and thermal discomfort. These findings demonstrate that short-term pilot exposure enhances technology acceptance and reveals key barriers to adoption. This study provides empirical evidence on how short-term pilots influence exoskeleton adoption among construction workers in both controlled environments and active jobsites. This work integrates real-world field trials into technology acceptance research, thereby bridging a critical gap between intention-based acceptance models and on-site behavioral responses. Future research should explore long-term adoption patterns, test across diverse trades, and evaluate different exoskeleton models under varied conditions.