Project description
AI for better work conditions
Work safety is a crucial issue in Europe and the world. More than three million work-related accidents are registered each year in the EU and in several thousand cases the injuries are fatal. Data for 2019 show that work-related accidents cost the EU economy a whopping EUR 460 bn. The data also show machine-related injuries are a significant factor. The number of machine-related injuries can be reduced by adopting digitalisation, automation and industry 5.0. The EU-funded EARASHI aims to help the EU achieve this goal by supporting start-ups and other SMEs in developing novel robotics and digital technologies that remain sustainable and utilise AI technologies. The reason for incorporating these technologies is to increase worker safety and improve worker conditions.
Objective
Despite a decrease since the 90s, 3.1M non-fatal accidents still happen at work, with at least four days of absence from work, and around 3 300 fatal accidents in the EU-27. These work-related accidents and illnesses cost the EU economy 460 b€ in 2019, i.e. 3.3% of GDP annually. Production machines are one of the accident causes. In France, 10 to 15% of accidents at work are related to their use, leading to working day lost equivalent to a company of 15000 people that do not work for a whole year.
In 2021 the EC proposed a new strategic framework for Health and Safety at Work (HSW) to protect health (incl. mental) and safety of its 170 million workers and achieve sustained decent working conditions for all workers, especially in the new world of work brought about by the digital transitions and industry 5.0.
Digital transition is driven by the introduction of robots, AI and remote work that reduce the risks of dangerous tasks and increases productivity. But cognitive overload, digital fatigue, mental exhaustion and various forms of ‘techno-stress’ are also increasing and shall be tackled to ensure HSW.
EARASHI will support Start-ups and SMEs in the uptake of advanced digital eco-responsible technologies (in particular AI, data and robotics) to help workers in their daily activities and improve their working conditions (safety, health and well-being) leading to productivity increase.
Through open calls, 10 beneficiaries will access to leading edge technologies and test facilities from RTOs and industrial partners, business support, mentoring by industrial pairs, support in Ethics, system integration and user acceptance. Selected projects will focus on improving work conditions and worker trust and acceptance of collaborative embodied AI in robotic systems for the production machine application field.
By investing early in and sustaining competitive emerging enabling technologies, EARASHI will contribute to accelerate an eco-responsible digital transition by 2030.
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Funding Scheme
HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation ActionsCoordinator
75015 PARIS 15
France