Construction Workers’ Behavioral Intention toward a Passive Back-Support Exoskeleton: Application and Extension of UTAUT Model
Publication: Construction Research Congress 2024
ABSTRACT
Exoskeletons are promising solutions to address the prevalence of back injuries in the construction industry. However, scarce evidence is available regarding the acceptance of exoskeletons among construction workers. Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, this study explored construction workers’ intention to use an exoskeleton. A field study was conducted wherein pipe and concrete workers performed construction tasks with a passive back-support exoskeleton. Data on workers’ perceived usability, discomfort, exertion, safety, and social influence from using the exoskeleton were collected. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicates a strong correlation between perceived ease of use, comfort, performance, safety and social influence, and workers’ intention to use the exoskeleton. However, discomfort and exertion did not have an impact on workers’ behavioral intentions. The findings of this study contribute to the UTAUT model and provide evidence on the drivers of workers’ acceptance of passive exoskeletons in the construction industry.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Construction Research Congress 2024
Pages: 738 - 747
History
Published online: Mar 18, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Business management
- Concrete pipes
- Construction engineering
- Construction industry
- Construction management
- Employment
- Engineering fundamentals
- Field tests
- Human and behavioral factors
- Infrastructure
- Labor
- Occupational safety
- Personnel management
- Pipeline systems
- Pipes
- Practice and Profession
- Public administration
- Public health and safety
- Safety
- Social factors
- Tests (by type)
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
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