| Theme | Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, Digitalisation |
|---|---|
| Project title | Automated camera-based ergonomics assessment of workplaces (AkEvAp) |
| Project duration | 01.10.2022 – 30.09.2024 |
| Download |
In order to improve ergonomics at the workplace, the AkEvAp project is developing a novel ergonomics assessment method (EBM) based on real-time camera data.
In contrast to previous research approaches, such as in the WorkCam project, this method will not only optically record whole-body movements, but will also additionally take into account the forces that occur. The challenge lies in the indirect optical force detection using artificial intelligence (AI) methods as well as the real-time capable design of the data processing chain.
By using real-time camera data, ergonomics evaluations can be performed in the future without work interruptions, without post-processing and with the highest possible objectivity. For manufacturing companies – especially SMEs – this represents enormous added value.
When companies improve workplace ergonomics, employees stay healthy and motivated longer and skilled workers are less likely to miss work due to illness. This also increases productivity and competitiveness. The novel EBM thus has both a health and an economic benefit.
Publications about the project
Globalization enables even small and medium-sized companies to sell their products worldwide. This is also accompanied by an increase in the number of direct competitors. As a result of the steadily increasing competition smaller companies in particular are expanding their direct sales and e-commerce activities. This requires resources for packaging, warehousing and order picking. The high competitive pressure to which The high competitive pressure to which companies are exposed can mean that attention to the requirements of the human resource is pushed into the background of entrepreneurial activity. If this resource is not used sustainably, these companies are often at a competitive disadvantage in the short and long term in that they have to find replacements for employees who are absent at short notice. for employees who are absent at short notice and loses important empirical knowledge through affected employees. This represents a competitive disadvantage for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. The economic damage must also be damage must also be considered: Expenses for recovery and retraining must be incurred for employees who are ill. Furthermore, jobs are more difficult to fill due to an increasing awareness of health issues if the health of each employee is not taken into account. The research project entitled "Automated camera-based ergonomic evaluation of workplaces" (AkEvAp for short) addresses precisely this point in order to use people as a resource for picking in a sustainable manner.
picking, AkEvAp, ergonomics
