Project description
Interventions to keep older construction workers healthy
Ageing workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors face increased musculoskeletal health problems. The early assessment of these problems assures prevention and self-management in any working environment. The EU-funded BIONIC project will develop an integrated, instructive, autonomous and privacy-protecting platform for real-time risk assessment and permanent coaching that will allow the design of workplace interventions for specific categories of elderly workers. The concept will advance medical wearable technology integrating sensor modules in multi-direction and configurable body sensor networks. BIONIC relies on a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the domains of wearable electronics, artificial intelligence and wearables for health applications and experts in ergonomics and anthropometry, occupational safety and health, data analytics and system security, and personal data protection.
Objective
Our overall objective is to develop a holistic, unobtrusive, autonomous and privacy preserving platform for real-time risk alerting and continuous coaching, enabling the design of workplace interventions adapted to the needs and fitness levels of specific ageing workforce. Gamification strategies adapted to the needs and wishes of the elderly workers will ensure optimal engagement for prevention and self-management of musculoskeletal health in any working/living environment. The BIONIC concept will be a game changer in medical wearable technology integrating sensor modules in multi-purpose, configurable Body Sensor Networks (BSNs) introducing key enablers of user acceptance based on value, comfort, confidence and trust. BIONIC consists of a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the field of Wearable Electronics (IAW), Artificial Intelligence, Wearables for Health applications, and experts in Ergonomics and Anthropometry, Occupational Safety and Health, Data Analytics and System Security and Personal Data Protection. Results will be validated n real workplace environments by two prominent European Enterprises from the Construction and the Manufacturing sectors.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligence
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternetinternet of things
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputer securitydata protection
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorssmart sensors
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencespublic healthoccupational health
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
67663 Kaiserslautern
Germany