The Adoption of Occupational Exoskeletons: From Acceptability to Situated Acceptance, Questionnaire Surveys

The objective of this study was to better understand the process of adopting occupational exoskeletons and the phases of acceptability and acceptance in particular. The studies focused mainly on acceptance. This topic given considerable attention, particularly in the framework of information systems, whereas it received less attention in the case of occupational exoskeletons. A questionnaire for studying both acceptability and acceptance based on the UTAUT and the concepts of Situated Acceptance was designed. This questionnaire was organized around seven dimensions comprising a total of 33 items. Two data collection campaigns were performed. They were composed of two samples of respondents with different characteristics. To explore correlations within these seven dimensions and the acceptability and/or acceptance of exoskeletons, PLS path modeling, i.e., causal modeling, was used. The results show that the same dimensions are involved in the acceptability and acceptance processes. However, the dimensions are organized differently and have different impacts according to it is acceptability or acceptance. The models were identified, their formalization as dimensions and their operationalization in questionnaire form were validated. This questionnaire is a subjective tool for assessing exoskeletons that permits identifying elements that impede or facilitate acceptance. It permits monitoring the dynamics of the different dimensions involved in acceptance during the utilization of exoskeletons by operators. Lastly, from a more qualitative standpoint, it could also be used as an interview guide for exchanges with future users or users.</p