Adaptive Workplace Design Based on Biomechanical Stress Curves

Abstract

The use of biomechanical models within the fields of workplace and working method design facilitates a detailed consideration of individual physiological capabilities and limitations. Based on motion capturing data of selected manual assembly tasks and the use of a biomechanical body model, body part-oriented stress curves for the upper extremities have been derived. This functional description of physiological stress allows a body part-oriented evaluation of movements and handling positions in the right grasp area. Furthermore these relations have been transferred into body part, movement direction and handled weight dependent linear regression functions. Thereby working system could be enabled to perform physiological stress-oriented self-optimization processes. Applied to manual assembly tasks and in accordance with the individual skills of employees these functions could be the basis for a physiological stress-related adaptive assistant system. Automation engineering, hence, can provide employee-specific support, e.g., in the supply of components or advices for adaption of working method. Working systems thus are able to optimize and adapt themselves to the individual needs and abilities of the employees.