Real-time postural training effects on single and multi-person ergonomic risk scores

This article proposes and comments on the results achieved in recent laboratory testing activities to develop single and multi-person postural assessment and training in real-time. Research is carried out using the WEM-platform and is promising both in post-processing and in real-time analysis in manufacturing and logistics settings. Laboratory tests are conducted to quantify the impact of visual feedback intervention on workers’ behavior based on individual experience and to determine the effect that different anthropometric characteristics can have on ergonomic risk score. Two inertial Motion Capture systems are jointly adopted and coupled with the WEM-platform to quantify the ergonomic risk of two operators employed in a multi-manned assembly station. The results are promising both in single and multi-manned configuration: the system is able to correct the postural behavior of workers when performing the tasks. Furthermore, the flexibility of the proposed platform permits a real-time ergonomic risk assessment for both the workers involved in the study and allow to investigate their mutual movements and collaborative tasks.