Ergonomics, the science of fitting the workplace to the worker, is increasingly intertwined with high technology, leading to innovative solutions for safety, comfort, and productivity. Emerging technologies like exoskeletons, wearable sensors, and AI-powered tools are revolutionizing how ergonomics is applied in various settings, from manufacturing to healthcare.
High-Tech Ergonomic Solutions:
Benefits of Integrating High Technology with Ergonomics:
Examples of High-Tech Ergonomic Applications:
Future of Ergonomics and Technology:
The integration of technology and ergonomics is an ongoing process, with new innovations emerging regularly. As technology continues to advance, it will play an even more significant role in shaping the future of work and ensuring the well-being of workers
QUESTION: What is the most interesting topic out of all this for you? Why?
US companies pay more than $20 billion each year towards workers compensation costs that resulted from musculoskeletal injuries.
In the UK, MSD’s cost the NHS £4.76 billion annually while in France, 2 billion €. It is less than in the US, but we must bear in mind that the French and British populations are less numerous than the American population.
(source: https://hexhealthcare.com/en/education/burden-of-msk-disorders/ & https://hexhealthcare.com/fr/education/la-charge-des-tms-sur-le-systeme-de-sante/)
-> The financial or economic incentive for businesses and governments to work on measures and reduce the problem is clear. Hence the development of ergonomics, as a science, in education and so on; but also, the continuous development of technology that :
That’s when robotics and exoskeletons kick in.
Let’s read the article on exoskeletons, written by Liz Stinson in 2014, on p.5 in your handbook.
Please answer the following questions p.7:
1. What industry does Lockheed Martin operate in?
2. Does ship building and maintaining require hard work? If so, why?
3. Please search what 30 pounds are once converted in kg.
4. What has Miller’s team done?
5. Who has bought plan and samples of the FORTIS?
6. Please describe the FORTIS.
7. How did the design team work?
8. Does the FORTIS enhance workers’ capabilities? If so, how?
9. Can we talk about augmentation?
More on Fortis
We saw that exoskeleton technical/technological development was obviously depending on investment; as far as we can tell, the first efficient exoskeletons were designed, developed and used in the military sector as of 2010 (with the HULC by Lockheed Martin, prior to the FORTIS), as the militaries and companies that work directly with them (like Lockheed Martin) had/have more important funds to invest in the technology. (A parallel can be established with the development of the internet & TCP/IP protocols).
Exoskeletons that would be commonly used by “ordinary staff” appeared later – but they are here now, where they are most needed:
e.g.: in Ford factories
-> GROUP WORK: please gather in groups of 4 and do some research about (human-built) exoskeletons; choose an example, highlight its strengths (and weaknesses, if any). Study how it works and what type of industry may use it. Also study the economic benefits of using it.
You will present your findings to the class next week (in a 5-minute presentation).