Wearable robots are increasingly being deployed for use in industrial fields. However, only a few studies have focused on the usability of wearable robots. The present study evaluated the factors affecting the usability of a harness in securing a wearable robot to the body because the harness directly affects the work efficiency, and thus its design and use require careful consideration. A comparative evaluation of the arrangement of the Vest Exoskeleton before and after improvements was conducted, in which participants performed a benchmark assembly task while wearing the robot. Results showed that wearability decreased after the improvements due to the additional straps and buckles used, but the overall wearing satisfaction improved as a result of increased stability. Stability and convenience were the main factors affecting the overall wearing satisfaction, while sub-indicators included wearing comfort and tactile sensation. Therefore, improvements in stability, such as those related to fixation strength and tactile sensation, had a direct positive impact on the overall wearing satisfaction.

Aiming to improve nighttime safety for motorcycle riders, this study evaluates the visibility and usability of LED and retroreflective-equipped protective motorcycle clothing versus conventional retroreflective gear. Ten male participants with driving experience were selected based on specific criteria, including normal or corrected visual acuity. Utilizing a simulated driving environment with a 75-inch screen and electric bicycles, the study employed an eye tracker to define recognition distances. It was found that LED and retroreflective-equipped clothing significantly increased the recognition distance in various nighttime scenarios, with the experimental group’s gear being visible from substantially further away than the control group’s gear. Additionally, subjective assessments showed that the LED gear scored higher in visibility and overall satisfaction, though no significant differences in wearability and activity performance were noted between the two groups. These results indicate that LED clothing could enhance rider safety at night, emphasizing the importance of such innovations for safety gear. Despite its focus on SUV drivers and specific conditions, the study provides foundational data for the development of effective protective motorcycle clothing, suggesting future research should include a broader array of vehicle types and environmental conditions.

This study presents an integrated evaluation framework for textile-based electrical muscle stimulation smartwear electrodes, combining physiological and user-centered assessments to ensure comprehensive performance analysis. Four electrode types—lock stitch, knit, hot stamping, and moss stitch—were examined using a systematic five-step process with nine participants. Quantitative measurements were obtained using electromyography to determine maximum voluntary contraction and tensiomyography to assess muscle contraction velocity. The knit electrode demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in maximum voluntary contraction following stimulation (W = 2.0, p = 0.012, Cohen’s d = 0.58), indicating effective neuromuscular activation and fatigue induction. The moss stitch electrode also showed a notable trend toward reduced muscle activation (W = 6.0, p = 0.055, d = 0.37). In contrast, the lock stitch and hot stamping electrodes exhibited negligible changes. User experience surveys revealed overall high acceptance across all electrode types (4.0–4.5 of mean scores on a 5-point scale), with the moss stitch electrode receiving the highest ratings for perceived safety and minimal skin discomfort, while the hot stamping electrode scored lowest in breathability. The proposed framework enables balanced evaluation of both functional performance and user experience, offering practical design guidance for optimizing textile electrodes across applications ranging from high-intensity athletic training to low-intensity rehabilitation.