< Back to previous page

Project

Sense to eXion: Raising awareness and deploying wearable sensors and exoskeletons to prevent physical strain In Enterprises: Development of a matchmaking tool (Sense to eXion)

WHAT

Sense to eXion is a TETRA project in which we help companies to prevent physical overload of their employees. We focus on awareness on the one hand and on wearable technology such as exoskeletons, preventive orthoses and sensors on the other.

 

GOAL

The main goal is to raise awareness in companies about physical overloading in the workplace. In doing so, we teach them how to use smart sensors and exoskeletons to detect and address overload.

In addition, we want to increase companies’ knowledge about physical overloading and about prevention with wearable technology. We do this by actively involving them in the implementation of some cases.

We also provide advice on the design and development of preventive orthoses and exoskeletons.

In addition, we want to match workstations with their risks and with possible deployable technologies to reduce those risks. For this purpose, we are developing an evidence-based product selection tool. It will help companies to make the right technology choice.

We also want to involve students by integrating the project results and tools into lessons and projects and by organizing workshops.

 

RELEVANCE

Physical overload often leads to musculoskeletal disorders and those are the main cause of incapacity of work and absence at work.

Companies where employees are prone to musculoskeletal disorders due to heavy work, repetitive actions or uncomfortable static postures are looking for solutions to help their employees.

In recent years, many exoskeletons and sensors have been introduced to the market, but the knowledge about their use and deployment is still very small in the field.

Therefore, this project is relevant for:

·         Companies that want to focus on the physical health of their employees.

·         Enterprises where high-risk professional activities are performed such as heavy work, repetitive operations or uncomfortable static postures.

·         Distributors and developers of smart sensors, exoskeletons or preventive technology.

·         Companies and organizations that offer services to prevent physical overload.

 

Date:1 Jan 2021 →  31 Mar 2023
Keywords:exoskeletons, movement analysis, musculoskeletal disorders, biomechanics, ergonomics
Disciplines:Biomechanical engineering not elsewhere classified, Other medical and health sciences not elsewhere classified
Project type:Collaboration project
Results:
In this project, practical tools and a matchmaking tool based on a graph database were created to match and implement technologies (such as exoskeletons and sensors) with professional activities in which they are useful. 

The tools consist of instruments for the target group (prevention organization, employers, employees, distributors, manufacturers) to: 
  • identify risks in the workplace
  • choose between possible solutions (ergonomic adjustments, increasing load capacity, using sensors or exoskeletons)
  • choose the matching technology (exoskeleton or sensor) for your activity
  • implement the technology in the workplace and collect feedback

The matchmaking tool consists of a dig database where parameters of professional activities (kinematics of the worker, risks, workstation factors, organizational factors) on the one hand and parameters of the exoskeletons and sensors (joint action, limitations, volume, sizing...) on the other hand, are linked to each other in order to make a well-founded technology choice for each situation.

The tools and matchmaking instrument were tested and validated through on-the-job case studies in Flanders.