Smart textiles for a sustainable work life
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | HULTAFORS GROUP AB - Snickers Workwear AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 9 754 000 |
| Project duration | November 2016 - November 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
Important results from the project
With sensorised garments and direct feedback the system developed in this project work to improve work technique preventing muscoskeletal disorders. The user gets immediate feedback with instructions to maintain good work technique or improve postures. This encourages sustainable work technique as to prevent injuries. The goal is to reduce sick leaves due to work related muscoskeletal injuries with 10%. This project incorporates ergonomics, sensors, analysis and are collaboration between technical and medical partners.
Expected long term effects
Result show that assembly workers, assisted by the system and its feedback, improve their work technique and are thereby preventing muscoskeletal injuries. Over time there are indications that this system has the potential to reduce sick leave and contribute to improved design on work stations and potential to revolutionize how risk assessments are performed.
Approach and implementation
Close collaboration between industry prerequisites and academia has been the foundation to create a focused and yet innovative project. The motivation was clear amongst all partners, the user’s well being was guiding in all decisions. Through fast iteration and testing with increasingly advanced prototypes the complete system as well as technical and medical specifics could be evaluated to reach the end goal. The result show that collaboration and highly competent partners has been a key in successfully developing a system to support the user to a healthier work technique.