A Framework for Interactive Work Design based on Digital Work Analysis and Simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new framework combining motion tracking and digital human simulation to analyze manual work operations, aiming to improve ergonomic design, efficiency, and safety in industrial tasks.

Contribution

It presents a novel integrated system for real-time motion analysis and recognition, enhancing adaptability and evaluation of individual workers in manual tasks.

Findings

Effective motion recognition and analysis methods are developed.

The framework enables real-time ergonomic assessment.

Limitations and constraints of the approach are discussed.

Abstract

Due to the flexibility and adaptability of human, manual handling work is still very important in industry, especially for assembly and maintenance work. Well-designed work operation can improve work efficiency and quality; enhance safety, and lower cost. Most traditional methods for work system analysis need physical mock-up and are time consuming. Digital mockup (DMU) and digital human modeling (DHM) techniques have been developed to assist ergonomic design and evaluation for a specific worker population (e.g. 95 percentile); however, the operation adaptability and adjustability for a specific individual are not considered enough. In this study, a new framework based on motion tracking technique and digital human simulation technique is proposed for motion-time analysis of manual operations. A motion tracking system is used to track a worker's operation while he/she is conducting a manual handling work. The motion data is transferred to a simulation computer for real time digital human simulation. The data is also used for motion type recognition and analysis either online or offline for objective work efficiency evaluation and subjective work task evaluation. Methods for automatic motion recognition and analysis are presented. Constraints and limitations of the proposed method are discussed.