Offline multilevel ergonomic assessment of workplaces with assistive machines

Conventional ergonomic assessment procedures could benefit from additional information offered by biomechanical models. Such models can represent assistance of an exoskeleton or a robot and improve ergonomic assessment. In this presentation, we suggest an enhanced ergonomic assessment approach, where state-of-the-art data acquisition and human musculoskeletal modeling tools are used alongside traditional evaluation schemes.
Worker’s activities are accurately recorded by an IMU-based motion capture system (Xsens). These recordings drive musculoskeletal simulations in the AnyBody Modeling System to obtain detailed biomechanical factors: muscle and joint forces for all recorded movements and scenarios. Such information significantly extends data obtained through standard methods such as RULA, REBA, EAWS. This allows to understand the effect of the assistive devices on the worker.
It is shown how the workflow enhances conventional methods by biomechanically quantifying exoskeleton effects, both benefits and side-effects, over interindividual, cross-factorial and scenario variations. Critical conclusions become possible through understanding of biomechanical factors affecting worker’s health and causing musculoskeletal injuries. Such assessment supplements laboratory experiments and field studies by automated and reproducible analyses of collected movement data; by eliminating costly data acquisition challenges, and efficient evaluation of laborious metrics, such as deep muscle EMGs.
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Which Software did you use for RULA analysis? May I analysis RULA in AnyBody Technology?

[@anybodytech]

Hi,
Yes, we have implemented a novel version of RULA in the AnyBody Modeling System. Please contact us through our contact form (www.anybodytech.com/contact/) to request access.
Best regards,
Kristoffer