STREAM has reached several objectives through an earnest attempt to capitalize on the SoA gained by research organizations and on the critical innovations of partner companies to achieve the expected impacts outlined below:
Concerning workstream 1 (WS1), which is associated with developing the OTA3M (On-Track Autonomous Multi-purpose Mobile Manipulator), STREAM will positively affect the workers' safety. The OTA3M enables autonomous operations, thus, reducing the need for mentally demanding multitasking operator skills, a significant cause of accidents due to human errors. Moreover, employing sophisticated sensors and control algorithms will enhance the awareness of the machine of the presence of obstacles within the working space. STREAM aims to reduce production costs concerning the current practices. The reduction in the cost of the working methods is directly related to the time required for typical maintenance and quality assessment tasks. Thanks to the employment of robotic control and principles, our solution will improve quality and accuracy of the operations. The accuracy will be improved to an extent not reachable by humans. At the same time, the process quality assessment will be accomplished with the embedded online as-built 3D model and employing image recognition systems.
Concerning workstream 2 (WS2), which is associated with the development of the MMPE (Modular Multitasking Powered Exoskeleton), STREAM will improve the rail workers’ safety and conditions by reducing the effort, fatigue, and risk of injury that rail workers are subjected to while performing working daily activities. The MMPE supports maintenance workers in reducing the load applied at the back due to the strenuous activities carried out by employing controlled motors that transmit forces over the exoskeleton structure to the user. On a social level, in all European countries, it is necessary to provide concrete solutions to address the social and economic realities and challenges of an ageing society. Workers with musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) will suffer and require more prolonged and cyclical sick leave. It is causing problems for the company and future employability. This results in an increase in costs incurred by companies and, above all, will seriously affect workers' quality of life. Exoskeletons can improve individual well-being and quality of life. Thus, sustainable employability is improved and allows workers to perform better even with reduced physical fitness.
