Fraunhofer Center for Assistive Information and Communication Solutions – AICOS
22.06.2021
The OPERATOR project, which started in 2020, is taking another step in the technological advance applied to industry 4.0. In order to ensure the well-being (physical and mental) of industry workers, the Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS research center (FhP-AICOS) developed a prototype integrated in textiles that, in a more natural and organic way, allows detecting repetitive movements that could cause ergonomic problems to workers.
The prototype, which is currently being tested, may in the future be integrated into industry professionals' clothing, namely in uniforms, vests, gloves, among others. The incorporation of sensors in fabrics is intended, in a natural way, to enable the analysis of workers' movements in order to detect and prevent repetitive movements that could result in injuries to the musculoskeletal systems. Highlight to the fact that these sensors can be placed in different positions for motion analysis.
The OPERATOR project started in 2020 with the aim of ensuring the well-being of industrial workers. Within the scope of this project, FhP-AICOS is responsible for the technological development of the sensors and the digital platform, as well as for the real-time study and monitoring of workers. This project highlights FhP-AICOS' competences in the areas of Human-Centred Design, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber-Physical Systems, as well as its fields of study – User Research in different Environments; Computer Vision; Data Analysis of Wearable Sensors; Cognitive and Decision Support Systems; and the Internet of things.
With a global value that exceeds 1.88 million euros, financed by MIT and the National Innovation Agency (ANI), OPERATOR results from a partnership between several institutions, such as Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS (FhP-AICOS), Zenithwings, NST Apparel Lda, Volkswagen Autoeuropa, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Nova de Lisboa (FCT Nova), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto (FPCEUP), University of Minho (UM), Institute of Medical Engineering and Science (IMES) and Controlconsul - Consultoria, Serviços e Representações, Lda.
More information about the project here.
Co-funded by: