Real-time postural training effects on single and multi-person ergonomic risk scores

This article proposes and comments on the results achieved in recent laboratory testing activities to develop single and multi-person postural assessment and training in real-time. Research is carried out using the WEM-platform and is promising both in post-processing and in real-time analysis in manufacturing and logistics settings. Laboratory tests are conducted to quantify the impact of visual feedback intervention on workers' behavior based on individual experience and to determine the effect that different anthropometric characteristics can have on ergonomic risk score. Two inertial Motion Capture systems are jointly adopted and coupled with the WEM-platform to quantify the ergonomic risk of two operators employed in a multi-manned assembly station. The results are promising both in single and multi-manned configuration: the system is able to correct the postural behavior of workers when performing the tasks. Furthermore, the flexibility of the proposed platform permits a real-time ergonomic risk assessment for both the workers involved in the study and allow to investigate their mutual movements and collaborative tasks. Copyright (C) 2022 The Authors.

Automated summary

This article presents and discusses the outcomes of recent laboratory testing activities aimed at developing real-time single and multi-person postural assessment and training. The research utilized the WEM-platform and showed promising results in both post-processing and real-time analysis in manufacturing and logistics environments. The laboratory tests measured the impact of visual feedback intervention on workers' behavior based on individual experience, as well as the effect of different anthropometric characteristics on ergonomic risk score. By combining two inertial Motion Capture systems with the WEM-platform, the ergonomic risk of operators in multi-manned assembly stations was quantified, and positive results were observed in both single and multi-manned configurations. The proposed platform's flexibility enables real-time ergonomic risk assessment for the workers involved, as well as the investigation of their mutual movements and collaborative tasks.