Real-time Ergonomics-Biomechanical Measurements Delineate Body Loading
Industrial Athlete Analysis software uses animated body symbols to provide information about work-related stress and assess these stresses in real time. (Picture: Scalefit)
The biomechanists and ergonomists at the Cologne scientific company Scalefit set themselves the task of directly recording the musculoskeletal loads in the workplace, visualizing them in an easy-to-understand way and evaluating these loads in real time. Their biomechanical measurement system for industrial athletes combines the latest motion detection technology with current work science research findings. This allows for extensive ergonomic assessment and stress analysis of almost any type of workplace in the shortest possible time. Industrial Athlete is a wireless motion analysis system worn on work clothes that records all body movements while working. Small, lightweight inertial sensors attach to various parts of an employee's body within minutes. An assessment software receives movement data, calculates musculoskeletal loads, and displays them in real time on a monitor using 18 vividly animated body symbols.
Using biomechanics to achieve healthy work
Work site shipyard: When grinding the hull of an ocean-going ship on an 8-meter-high ascender, the unavoidable movement data of high-altitude operations can be wirelessly transmitted to the measurement computer and compared in real time with the video recording of the accompanying camera. In a subsequent brief on-site workshop, workers faced their previously recorded ergonomic assessment on a monitor, just like competitive athletes at a measuring station. A joint analysis of their individual stress can lead to improvement measures such as the use of an upper-arm supported exoskeleton, a slower work pace and more frequent relief breaks. Through this coaching, stress and pressure awareness in the workplace becomes tangible, actionable and sustainable. “During the initial testing phase we were able to test the system at different workplaces in production. We were very surprised at how smoothly the system was used in our shipyard. The use of previously tested systems failed due to hard beds.
Die forging workers: Small, lightweight sensors continuously provide movement data, which is converted into load parameters by a measuring computer. (Picture: Scalefit)
The analysis and evaluation of retail activity is very enlightening and much more precise than evaluating based on a checklist. "At the Frauenthal Power Systems die forging plant, the system showed high stresses on the shoulders caused by repeatedly raising the arms when positioning and cutting forgings. Unfavorable geometries in the workplace and on work equipment are already causing problems on site with employees and occupations Safety representatives together were identified as a cause of stress and adapted accordingly. The gripping characteristics of frequently used tools can also be optimized directly in the workplace: for example, the grip of a handheld telegraph pole is rotated 90 degrees to avoid wrist and elbows, and prevent degenerative diseases. In Menarini's High Bay warehouse, forklift drivers and manual picking are the focus: here, repetitive torso tilts due to the final hand posture, but most Importantly, body stress caused by excessive extension of the head when aligning forklift forks at high heights has also been shown to be common
The innovative measuring system is also used in food retail workplaces, such as operating and refrigerated counters, cashier workstations or goods handling. For example, in 20 workplaces of a large supermarket chain, hand end movements and trunk forward leans exceeding 20 degrees, more than twice per minute, were considered the maximum musculoskeletal load. Preventative measures emerged from the study findings, such as wearable, mobile standing aids, or guidance on finger stretching exercises during microbreaks and during the last meeting of the day, supported by reminder stickers in key work areas. Employees were briefed on these measures.
Maximilian Leithner said: "For us it's a practical approach
Healthy, safe company environment: “What impressed us most about Industrial Athlete was its comprehensive observation and assessment options, visual performance, and possibility to detect erroneous loads that are often undetectable by the human eye.”
The company Scalefit, formed by scientists from the German Sport University Cologne , focuses on further development and digital health with its innovative measurement methods: for example, the upgrade of work equipment, analysis of partner work, wearables and augmented and virtual reality integration are all geared towards Aiming for users, despite the latest technology, the scientists position their easy-to-use measurement system for the future. Virtual training has been made possible by uploading CAD files into existing software in order to optimize the workplace during the planning phase for ergonomics and efficient working methods: a pilot project in the logistics sector discovers the key to a railway system Design flaw!
About Sowell Technology
In May 2023, Sowell officially signed an agency cooperation agreement with scalefit, an ergonomic analysis software supplier, and became its authorized agent in mainland China. Sowell now supports scalefit related product purchase and consulting services. Please call us for consultation.
Sowell Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on providing professional and effective 3D/VR virtual reality solutions. Sowell attaches great importance to product quality and customer satisfaction. We continue to invest energy and cost in introducing international advanced technology and equipment to fully meet the needs of customers in mainland China. The accumulated experience over the years has helped Sowell win the trust of many customers and receive praise and recognition from a large number of users.