Master’s in Industrial Exoskeletons and Ergonomics Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in industrial exoskeletons and ergonomics engineering. 12 modules covering industrial exoskeletons, human biomechanics, ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders, mechanical design, actuation and control, sensors, evaluation, safety and regulation, company deployment and sector applications, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Industrial Exoskeletons and Ergonomics Engineering — studying from the United States
Robotics and industrial automation are growing rapidly in the United States, with research centers and companies concentrated in Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Manufacturers across automotive, electronics, food processing and logistics deploy robots and control systems to improve productivity and safety. Universities and national programs support advances in collaborative robotics, motion control and AI-driven automation. Engineers work on control theory, sensors, programming and system integration.
Fees for the United States: US$8,850 (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
Which US bodies are relevant to robotics and control engineering?
Key bodies include IEEE, particularly its Robotics and Automation Society, and ISA (International Society of Automation). Industrial safety standards are referenced through A3, the Association for Advancing Automation. Professional PE licensure is issued by state boards where required. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited, so employers decide how to value them.
Where do robotics and automation engineers work in the United States?
Employers include robotics companies, automotive and electronics manufacturers, warehouse automation firms, and research labs. Roles include controls engineer, robotics software engineer, and automation specialist. Employers typically assess portfolios, programming skills, and project experience, so build visible work to accompany your qualification.
How much English and time commitment does the programme require?
Programmes are taught fully in English, so strong written and spoken English is needed. They are 100% online, so you study from home without a student visa. Workloads are 300, 800, or 1,900 hours depending on the programme. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the classification and applications of industrial exoskeletons.
Analyse the biomechanics of industrial tasks.
Assess the ergonomic risks of workstations.
Design exoskeleton mechanisms and control systems.
Evaluate effectiveness with EMG and motion capture.
Apply safety regulations to exoskeletons.
Plan the deployment of exoskeletons in a company.
Who it's for
- Exoskeleton engineers.
- Industrial ergonomics specialists.
- Biomechanics researchers.
- Occupational risk prevention technicians.
- Wearable device designers.
- Product evaluation engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 11228-1:2021 (manual handling: lifting, lowering and carrying)
- ISO 11228-3:2007 (handling of low loads at high frequency)
- ISO 13482:2014 (safety requirements for personal care robots)
- ASTM F3323 (standard terminology for exoskeletons and exosuits)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (personal protective equipment)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 (Machinery Regulation)
- ISO 11226:2000 (evaluation of static working postures)
- OpenSim
- Xsens MVN
- Delsys EMGworks
- AnyBody Modeling System
- MATLAB
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1History and evolution of exoskeletons1.2Classification by body region1.3Passive versus active exoskeletons1.4Soft textile exosuits1.5Current industrial applications1.6Market and manufacturers1.7Expected benefits for the worker1.8Limitations and risks1.9Implementation cases1.10Case study: map of commercial solutions
2.1Anatomy of the musculoskeletal system2.2Kinematics of gait and the upper limb2.3Inverse dynamics and joint moments2.4Musculoskeletal models with OpenSim2.5Muscle activity and electromyography2.6Muscle fatigue and its measurement2.7Anthropometry and variability2.8Motion capture2.9Biomechanics of industrial tasks2.10Lab: inverse dynamics with OpenSim
3.1Epidemiology of MSDs3.2Biomechanical risk factors3.3RULA and REBA methods3.4NIOSH lifting equation3.5OCRA method for repetitive work3.6The ISO 11228 standard3.7Assessment of sustained postures3.8Hierarchy of preventive measures3.9Exoskeletons within prevention3.10Practical exercise: NIOSH assessment of a task
4.1Kinematic architectures of exoskeletons4.2Alignment with human joints4.3Self-aligning joint mechanisms4.4Elastic elements and gravity compensation4.5Lightweight and composite materials4.6Physical interfaces with the user4.7Fitting different sizes4.8Design for comfort4.9Prototyping and manufacturing4.10Workshop: design of a shoulder compensation mechanism
5.1Electric and series elastic actuators5.2Pneumatic and cable-driven actuation5.3Detection of user intention5.4EMG-based control5.5Task-dependent assistance control5.6Impedance control5.7System transparency5.8Safety in control5.9Batteries and autonomy5.10Practical exercise: lumbar assistance control in simulation
6.1Inertial measurement units (IMU)6.2Force sensors at interfaces6.3Surface electromyography6.4Joint encoders6.5Sensor fusion6.6Activity recognition6.7Usage monitoring6.8Data and privacy6.9Analysis platforms6.10Lab: activity recognition with IMUs
7.1Laboratory evaluation protocols7.2Measuring muscle activity7.3Measuring metabolic cost7.4Kinematic assessment7.5Usability and comfort questionnaires7.6Field trials7.7Long-term studies7.8ASTM F48 test standards7.9Interpretation of results7.10Case study: designing an evaluation protocol
8.1Machinery Regulation and exoskeletons8.2Personal protective equipment8.3Medical exoskeletons and Regulation 2017/7458.4ISO 13482 for personal care robots8.5Risk assessment8.6ASTM F48 terminology and testing8.7Occupational risk prevention requirements8.8Health surveillance8.9Responsibilities of manufacturer and employer8.10Practical exercise: risk assessment of an exoskeleton
9.1Selecting candidate workstations9.2Pilot trials with workers9.3Training and adaptation9.4Acceptance and psychosocial factors9.5Involvement of worker representatives9.6Hygiene and maintenance9.7Monitoring indicators9.8Cost-benefit analysis9.9Scaling up to the workforce9.10Case study: implementation plan on a line
10.1Automotive and overhead work10.2Logistics and load handling10.3Construction and civil works10.4Agriculture and manual harvesting10.5Aeronautics and aircraft maintenance10.6Healthcare and patient care10.7Defence: regulatory and ethical approach10.8Comparison of results10.9Lessons learned from pilots10.10Case study: shoulder exoskeleton in automotive
11.1Simulation of the human-exoskeleton system11.2Model-based design optimisation11.3Customisation with additive manufacturing11.4Artificial intelligence in control11.5Next-generation soft exosuits11.6Integration with digital twins11.7Current lines of research11.8Market trends11.9Industrial property and patents11.10Workshop: assistance simulation in OpenSim
12.1Analysis of the workstation and risks12.2Selection or design of the exoskeleton12.3Biomechanical modelling of the task12.4Mechanical or control design12.5Prototype or simulation12.6Evaluation with users12.7Analysis of results12.8Conclusions and recommendations12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenSim, Xsens MVN, Delsys EMGworks, AnyBody Modeling System and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures for biomechanical assessment with EMG and motion capture, exoskeleton pilots at industrial workstations and musculoskeletal simulation of assistance. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 11228-1:2021, ISO 11228-3:2007, ISO 13482:2014, ASTM F3323, Regulation (EU) 2016/425, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, ISO 11226:2000.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with OpenSim, Xsens MVN, Delsys EMGworks, AnyBody Modeling System and MATLAB, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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