Using exoskeletons to help prevent injuries in Dungeness crab fishing
Official title: Exoskeletons for Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing to Reduce Musculoskeletal Injuries
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-10771865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special wearable devices called passive exoskeletons can help reduce injuries for fishermen working in the Dungeness crab fishery by making it easier to handle heavy gear, and it aims to find out how well these devices work and what challenges might come up when using them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $710,881 |
| NIH project number | 1U01OH012654-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10771865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are commercial fishermen, particularly those working in the Dungeness crab fishery who are at risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in commercial fishing or do not engage in physically demanding tasks related to fishing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of passive exoskeletons to reduce musculoskeletal injuries among fishermen in the Dungeness crab fishery, which is known for its high injury rates. The study will systematically evaluate how these exoskeletons can alleviate physical stress during tasks that involve handling heavy fishing gear. By assessing the feasibility and biomechanical effects of exoskeletons, the research aims to identify barriers and opportunities for their use in commercial fishing. The findings will provide valuable insights to manufacturers and stakeholders on how to improve the design and usability of exoskeletons for this specific industry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among fishermen, improving their overall health and safety.
How similar studies have gone: While there is growing evidence supporting the use of exoskeletons in various industries, this specific application in commercial fishing is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Jeong Ho — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Jeong Ho
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.