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Advancing Towards Automated Ergonomic Assessment: A Panel of Perspectives

  • Daniel P. Armstrong
  • , Christopher A.B. Moore
  • , Lora A. Cavuoto
  • , Sean Gallagher
  • , Sang Hyun Lee
  • , Michael W. Sonne
  • , Steven L. Fischer
  • University of Waterloo
  • Auburn University
  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • MyAbilities Technologies Inc.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Direct and continuous exposure measurement has posed challenges to human factors engineering (HFE) professionals when conducting risk assessments. However, emerging technologies have utility to automate elements of HFE assessment and strengthen opportunities for direct and continuous exposure measurement. Leading HFE researchers provide perspectives on how advances in technology and computing, including computer vision, machine learning and wearable sensors, can aid in the automation of exposure measurement to inform ergonomic assessment while also bolstering the opportunities for objective, data-driven insight. Drs. SangHyun Lee and Michael Sonne share perspectives on the development and validation of computer vision-based pose estimation approaches. Such pose estimation approaches allow HFE professions to record video data where software can convert video into a kinematic representation of a worker and then calculate corresponding joint angles without the need for any tedious posture matching, or additional post processing approaches. Dr. Cavuoto discusses how wearable technologies can unobtrusively measure kinematics in work, showcasing the potential of direct measurement, data-driven injury risk assessment. Finally, Dr. Gallagher showcases how data collected through automated approaches can be integrated with models to evaluate injury risk through a fatigue-failure injury mechanism pathway. In addition to showcasing how emerging technologies and approaches may enhance exposure and risk assessment in HFE, panelists also highlight anticipated challenges and barriers that need to be addressed to support more ubiquitous integration of such technologies into HFE assessment practice. The future for innovation and advancement in exposure measurement and assessment is bright.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021
Subtitle of host publicationMethods and Approaches
EditorsNancy L. Black, W. Patrick Neumann, Ian Noy
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages585-591
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9783030746131
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jun 13 2021Jun 18 2021

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Volume223 LNNS
ISSN (Print)2367-3370
ISSN (Electronic)2367-3389

Conference

Conference21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period06/13/2106/18/21

Keywords

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Computer vision
  • Ergonomic assessment
  • Physical ergonomics
  • Risk assessment
  • Wearable technology

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