The objective of this work was to biomechanically evaluate a new type of lift-assist that could potentially be used by people as they move through distribution centers. Eleven participants moved 16.4 kg boxes from one pallet to another manually and using the Eco-Pick lift assist. Electromyographic (EMG) activities were measured bilaterally in the Bicep, Deltoid, Latissimus Dorsi, and Erector Spinae muscles. The analysis showed that the 90th percentile and the 50th percentile normalized EMG values obtained from the Bicep, Latissimus Dorsi, and Erector Spinae muscles were reduced using the Eco-Pick assist. The Eco-Pick was advantageous to the deltoid muscles with the higher placement locations.
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