CoExo - Cognitive-motor interference in the use of exoskeletons

The interdisciplinary DFG research project CoExo, launched in August 2025, aims to deepen our understanding of cognitive-motor interference (CMI) and to develop intelligent, adaptive exoskeleton support systems that effectively mitigate this interference in real-world industrial applications.

Exoskeletons have established themselves as innovative ergonomic tools that aim to support workers - whether by facilitating physical movements or by stabilising postures during demanding work activities. These systems promise to reduce physical strain and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in various industrial environments. However, a key challenge that has increasingly come into focus in recent years is cognitive motor interference (CMI). This phenomenon occurs when the simultaneous use of cognitive and physical resources leads to competition for limited neuronal capacities, which can impair both mental and motor performance.

At the Professorship for Automated and Autonomous Systems (AAS) at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, our team focuses on the development of advanced, AI-supported support functions. These adaptive support strategies are integrated into our self-developed exoskeleton prototype "Lucy", which is designed to respond dynamically to the user's needs by adapting the support to both physical and cognitive load.

Our project partner, the Chair of Exercise Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation at the German Sport University Cologne (DSHS), headed by Prof. Dr Bettina Wollesen (https://www.dshs-koeln.de/institut-fuer-bewegungstherapie-und-bewegungsorientierte-praevention-und-rehabilitation-abt-1/), is conducting extensive experimental studies. State-of-the-art methods such as 3D movement analysis, electromyography (EMG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) are used to record and analyse the biomechanical, physiological and cognitive reactions of users during complex tasks. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to gain holistic insights into how exoskeletal support influences both physical exertion and cognitive function.

For more information, please see the associated project profile on our homepage (https://tu-freiberg.de/fakult4/aas/forschung)!