TY - JOUR
T1 - The sensor-based biomechanical risk assessment at the base of the need for revising of standards for human ergonomics
AU - Ranavolo, Alberto
AU - Ajoudani, Arash
AU - Cherubini, Andrea
AU - Bianchi, Matteo
AU - Fritzsche, Lars
AU - Iavicoli, Sergio
AU - Sartori, Massimo
AU - Silvetti, Alessio
AU - Vanderborght, Bram
AU - Varrecchia, Tiwana
AU - Draicchio, Francesco
PY - 2020/10/10
Y1 - 2020/10/10
N2 - Due to the epochal changes introduced by “Industry 4.0”, it is getting harder to apply the varying approaches for biomechanical risk assessment of manual handling tasks used to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) considered within the International Standards for ergonomics. In fact, the innovative human–robot collaboration (HRC) systems are widening the number of work motor tasks that cannot be assessed. On the other hand, new sensor-based tools for biomechanical risk assessment could be used for both quantitative “direct instrumental evaluations” and “rating of standard methods”, allowing certain improvements over traditional methods. In this light, this Letter aims at detecting the need for revising the standards for human ergonomics and biomechanical risk assessment by analyzing the WMDs prevalence and incidence; additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of traditional methods listed within the International Standards for manual handling activities and the next challenges needed for their revision are considered. As a representative example, the discussion is referred to the lifting of heavy loads where the revision should include the use of sensor-based tools for biomechanical risk assessment during lifting performed with the use of exoskeletons, by more than one person (team lifting) and when the traditional methods cannot be applied. The wearability of sensing and feedback sensors in addition to human augmentation technologies allows for increasing workers’ awareness about possible risks and enhance the effectiveness and safety during the execution of in many manual handling activities.
AB - Due to the epochal changes introduced by “Industry 4.0”, it is getting harder to apply the varying approaches for biomechanical risk assessment of manual handling tasks used to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMDs) considered within the International Standards for ergonomics. In fact, the innovative human–robot collaboration (HRC) systems are widening the number of work motor tasks that cannot be assessed. On the other hand, new sensor-based tools for biomechanical risk assessment could be used for both quantitative “direct instrumental evaluations” and “rating of standard methods”, allowing certain improvements over traditional methods. In this light, this Letter aims at detecting the need for revising the standards for human ergonomics and biomechanical risk assessment by analyzing the WMDs prevalence and incidence; additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of traditional methods listed within the International Standards for manual handling activities and the next challenges needed for their revision are considered. As a representative example, the discussion is referred to the lifting of heavy loads where the revision should include the use of sensor-based tools for biomechanical risk assessment during lifting performed with the use of exoskeletons, by more than one person (team lifting) and when the traditional methods cannot be applied. The wearability of sensing and feedback sensors in addition to human augmentation technologies allows for increasing workers’ awareness about possible risks and enhance the effectiveness and safety during the execution of in many manual handling activities.
KW - Human–robot collaboration technologies
KW - International Standards for ergonomics
KW - Sensor-based biomechanical risk assessment
KW - Wearable sensors
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85092541463&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/s20205750
DO - 10.3390/s20205750
M3 - Review article
C2 - 33050438
AN - SCOPUS:85092541463
SN - 1424-8220
VL - 20
JO - Sensors (Switzerland)
JF - Sensors (Switzerland)
IS - 20
M1 - 5750
ER -