Ergonomics Evaluation Using Motion Capture Technology—Literature Review (original) (raw)

Motion Capture Technologies for Ergonomics: A Systematic Literature Review

Diagnostics

Muscular skeletal disorder is a difficult challenge faced by the working population. Motion capture (MoCap) is used for recording the movement of people for clinical, ergonomic and rehabilitation solutions. However, knowledge barriers about these MoCap systems have made them difficult to use for many people. Despite this, no state-of-the-art literature review on MoCap systems for human clinical, rehabilitation and ergonomic analysis has been conducted. A medical diagnosis using AI applies machine learning algorithms and motion capture technologies to analyze patient data, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, enabling early disease detection and facilitating personalized treatment plans. It revolutionizes healthcare by harnessing the power of data-driven insights for improved patient outcomes and efficient clinical decision-making. The current review aimed to investigate: (i) the most used MoCap systems for clinical use, ergonomics and rehabilitation, (ii) their application and (iii) the t...

A video-based method for ergonomic evaluation - now with a checklist based on the Swedish ergonomic regulations

VIDAR, a method developed to support participative interventions, was presented at NES 2003. When using the method an employee is first video-recorded, he/she is then asked to identify physically and psychologically demanding situations, while watching the video inside VIDAR. We, researchers and practitioners, have now extended the method with a checklist, which is based on the Swedish ergonomic regulations. The ergonomist may, after the session with the employee, use the checklist to evaluate the situations. It is easy to obtain printed reports, which are suitable as a basis for discussions. The first tests of the extended method indicate that the new options add value to the analysis with only a small increase of time consumption.

Implementation of Kinetic and Kinematic Variables in Ergonomic Risk Assessment Using Motion Capture Simulation: A Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most common disorders in any work sector and industry. Ergonomic risk assessment can reduce the risk of WMSDs. Motion capture that can provide accurate and real-time quantitative data has been widely used as a tool for ergonomic risk assessment. However, most ergonomic risk assessments that use motion capture still depend on the traditional ergonomic risk assessment method, focusing on qualitative data. Therefore, this article aims to provide a view on the ergonomic risk assessment and apply current motion capture technology to understand classical mechanics of physics that include velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum in ergonomic risk assessment. This review suggests that using motion capture technologies with kinetic and kinematic variables, such as velocity, acceleration, and force, can help avoid inconsistency and develop more reliable results in ergonomic risk assessment. Most studies related to the physical me...

A Contribution to Workplace Ergonomics Evaluation Using Multimedia Tools and Virtual Reality

Proceedings of the 2019 Federated Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems, 2019

The paper demonstrates an application developed to help to evaluate ergonomics of a workplace. Ergonomics of a workplace has enormous impact on employees and their longterm work effectiveness, which causes an interest in this field from employers' point of view. The paper describes and compares several attitudes companies use to set up and evaluate workplace metrics, potential of virtual reality (VR) in the process, VR application proposal, implementation within Unity 3D engine and results achieved with implementation of this proposed solution. Current approaches also include motion tracking for ergonomics evaluation. These technologies are often far over smaller companies' budget. Described solution is reasonably priced also for small companies, using cheaper motion capture equipment.

SELECTION OF WEARABLE FULL BODY MOTION CAPTURE EQUIPMENT AND ERGONOMIC ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR RESEARCH USE

Seinäjoen ammattikorkeakoulu osaamisen, kilpailukyvyn ja hyvinvoinnin kasvattajana , 2021

The main goal of the project TATTI – Using technology to make work productive and safe – is to improve ergonomics in companies in the region, performing physically demanding and strenuous work tasks. Ergonomics is important for well-being and coping at work, occupational safety, and productivity. As part of the project, visits will be carried out in partner companies to record employees' occupational sequencies of movements using technology. However, the current motion capture system of the University is permanently installed and therefore cannot be used in companies. In addition, installing a camera system in some locations would not even be possible. This article explores options for choosing a wearable motion capture system and ergonomic analysis software, starting with the use of existing hardware and software, but also planning new acquisitions. The article is based on the experiences of the TATTI project team, offers and correspondence from software and hardware suppliers, experience in using software and hardware, and scientific research and articles. It can be used as a guideline when acquiring a motion capture system. (Hoffrén-Mikkola 2021.)

Ergonomic Evaluation to improve Work Posture

International Journal of Engineering Research and, 2016

Industries today are facing numerous challenges to maintain the health and performance of employees while attempting to integrate new technologies. The health related problems such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) and Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMD) are prevalent in workers due to monotonous working on the shop floor. Hence there is a need to document the worker's problems related to their work area and evaluate the results obtained from the survey. Ergonomic assessments confirm that a worker's workstation is ergonomically designed to detract the risk of injury and escalate productivity. Ergonomic assessment tools such as RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) were used for the postural analysis of the workers working on the workstation. Video recordings on various activities of the workers was prepared and then images were taken from it for the analysis. The results of RULA and REBA assessment worksheets first showed major signs of risk to the health of workers and after suggesting a suitable mechanism , again the results were calculated which showed signs of low risk comparatively. This led to an increase in the productivity of the manufacturing company and also reduced the fatigue of workers considerably which is discussed further in the paper.

A checklist extension of VIDAR - a participative video-based method for ergonomic evaluation

There is a need for easy-to-use methods for assessments of exposure. VIDAR was presented at IEA 2003; an employee is first video-recorded when performing his/her daily work. He/she is then asked to identify physically and psychologically demanding situations. In this project, we have followed a request from practitioners and extended the method with a checklist, the Quick Exposure Check (QEC). When the employee has identified a physically demanding situation he/she is now, as before, asked about body region of discomfort, the level of pain or discomfort, the task description, occurrences per time unit. The additional questions concern: Handled weight, handled weight with one hand, duration, and visual requirements. The film is run through and several situations may be identified. The ergonomist later edit the situations, the QEC observer checklist is implemented to input; degree of static/dynamic work, and work postures for the back, shoulder-arm, wrist-hand and neck. It is easy to make a printout, and the reports are suitable as a basis for discussions in improvement groups. The first tests of the extended method indicate that the new options add value to the analysis with only a small increase of time consumption.

A study on the ergonomic assessment in the workplace

Ergonomics has gained attention and take into consideration by the workers in the different fields of works recently. It has given a huge impact on the workers comfort which directly affects the work efficiency and productivity. The workers have claimed to suffer from the painful postures and injuries in their workplace. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is the most common problem frequently reported by the workers. This problem occurs due to the lack of knowledge and alertness from the workers to the ergonomic in their surroundings. This paper intends to review the approaches and instruments used by the previous works of the researchers in the evaluation of the ergonomics. The two main assessment methods often used for ergonomic evaluation are Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Popular devices are Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and Microsoft Kinect.

IJERT-Ergonomic Evaluation to improve Work Posture

International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (IJERT), 2016

https://www.ijert.org/ergonomic-evaluation-to-improve-work-posture https://www.ijert.org/research/ergonomic-evaluation-to-improve-work-posture-IJERTV5IS031136.pdf Industries today are facing numerous challenges to maintain the health and performance of employees while attempting to integrate new technologies. The health related problems such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) and Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMD) are prevalent in workers due to monotonous working on the shop floor. Hence there is a need to document the worker's problems related to their work area and evaluate the results obtained from the survey. Ergonomic assessments confirm that a worker's workstation is ergonomically designed to detract the risk of injury and escalate productivity. Ergonomic assessment tools such as RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) were used for the postural analysis of the workers working on the workstation. Video recordings on various activities of the workers was prepared and then images were taken from it for the analysis. The results of RULA and REBA assessment worksheets first showed major signs of risk to the health of workers and after suggesting a suitable mechanism , again the results were calculated which showed signs of low risk comparatively. This led to an increase in the productivity of the manufacturing company and also reduced the fatigue of workers considerably which is discussed further in the paper.