Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026

Departments

Bioengineering; Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Unyoung Kim

Second Advisor

Michael Abbott

Abstract

This thesis presents the design and development of a functional ergonomic neck exoskeleton intended to reduce strain and fatigue for individuals in high-demand occupations and those with neuromuscular conditions. Current neck-support solutions are often bulky, restrictive, or unsuitable for continuous daily use. Through stakeholder interviews and benchmarking, key user needs including lightweight design, full range of motion, hygiene, and compatibility with personal protective equipment were identified and translated into system requirements. A trade-off analysis led to the selection of a cable-driven support system combined with a lightweight backplate and an EMG and IMU based sensor subsystem for posture tracking. The proposed device is designed to provide adaptive torque assistance, targeting a reduction in muscle activation while preserving natural head mobility. Testing showed that the prototype reduced perceived neck strain by an average of 50.23%, while remaining comfortable and allowing natural head movement. Future work includes expanded human testing, wireless app integration for user control, and customization for clinical populations aiming to advance the device from a prototype to a practical tool for both occupational ergonomics and rehabilitative support.

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