Beauchamp, Sarah Emily2019-12-122019-12-122018-06-19vt_gsexam:14491http://hdl.handle.net/10919/95965A flexible and passive exoskeleton is presented in this paper. The exoskeleton uses carbon fiber beams to provide an energetic return to its wearer and relieve their lower back muscles. The design of the exoskeleton and potential elastic mechanisms are described, and the results of biomechanical testing are given. The exoskeleton decreased the erector spinae muscle activity by 21-39.7%.ETDIn CopyrightexoskeletonpassiveliftingbiomechanicsThesis