Virtual reality in ergonomics by wearable devices: experiences from the automotive sector
Abstract
Purpose
Preventive ergonomics is essential to protecting the health and safety of workers as is recognizing human variability. The purpose of this paper is to describe a Unity-based application designed for three-dimensional postural analysis and visualizations using motion capture data. Integration with virtual reality (VR) technologies allows the user to be immersed in the simulated working environment without the need for a physical prototype. The proposed application aims to facilitate the application of ergonomic principles in workplace design and assessment for a proactive, participatory and inclusive approach to worker well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed an application that leverages motion capturing techniques and VR technologies and aims to support the analysts in the ergonomic assessment of physical prototypes as well as future workplaces. An innovative postural prediction module helps the analyst understanding what postures different users are likely to assume in the interaction with the workplace from a single data record.
Findings
The functionalities of the proposed application are illustrated on some case studies, presenting how different information is made available and can support workplace analysts and designers in an industrial context.
Originality/value
This paper provides insights into the experience and research carried out by an automotive company in the application of wearable sensors and VR to support a proactive and participatory approach to workplace ergonomics.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work is part of the two-year project IM.PR.ES.S.E.D. (IMmersive PRocESs ergonomicS by wEarable Devices) coordinated by Stellantis (FCA Italy) in collaboration with Politecnico di Torino, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, CIM4.0 (Competence Industry Manufacturing 4.0) of Torino for technical and development consultancy and Mare Digital for immersive reality tools.
The authors would like to thank the many graduate students that contributed to the project. In particular, they wish to acknowledge Stefania Tagliaferro for her support in the implementation and validation of the posture prediction module.
Citation
Carnazzo, C., Spada, S., Lamacchia, S., Manuri, F., Sanna, A. and Cavatorta, M.P. (2024), "Virtual reality in ergonomics by wearable devices: experiences from the automotive sector", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-03-2024-0064
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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