ErgoCAM

  Copyright: © IAW

  

 

Communication of Ergonomic Findings With ErgoCAM

 

Synopsis and Challenges

Ergonomic analyses used for the design of working environments involve evaluation procedures whose results can only be used by experts. Ergonomic findings are not comprehensible to and cannot be applied by so-called laypersons. Technological change makes it possible to transform manual assessment procedures into digitalized and networked measurement systems. The IAW – Institut für Arbeitswissenschaft (Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics) at RWTH Aachen University – developed an innovative measurement system – consisting of motion capture sensors in combination with intelligent algorithms. In this project, the existing measurement system is to be further developed into a so-called ErgoCAM in combination with a didactic-methodical communication concept for knowledge transfer. ErgoCAM visualizes the results of ergonomic evaluation procedures in real time and in a form that can be understood by laypersons.

Goals

The aim is to communicate ergonomic knowledge. The participants of the study will interact with ErgoCAM and independently design their own ergonomic workplaces. The necessary steps - from the ergonomic analysis to the derivation and implementation of measures as well as the verification of their effectiveness – will be carried out on the basis of familiar domestic activities (e.g. ironing). The didactic-methodical communication concept supports a holistic understanding through the elements of informing, planning, deciding, executing, checking and evaluating and promotes the independent transfer to the participants own professional work. The goal is achieved by implementing ErgoCAM as a mobile demonstrator, developing the communication concept, preparing the domestic activities accordingly and conducting BarCamps in combination with recording “testimonials”.

Methodology

Empowering ergonomic laypersons by communicating findings on work place design is the scientific content of the project. Using domestic work as an example, the effects of working conditions are conveyed and visualized in real time by ErgoCAM (e.g. different working heights). After straining activities have been experienced, the development of improved measures is initiated by ErgoCAM and the laymen are assisted in their implementation. The improved activity is performed again, its effectiveness experienced and confirmed by ErgoCAM, promoting the independent transfer to one's own professional working environment.

Funding and Fundingcode

The project was selected as one of the winning projects in the 2018 university competition as part of the Year of Science "Arbeitswelten der Zukunft” (Working Worlds of the Future) and supported with prize money from the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Federal Ministry of Education and Research).