Ergonomic support for manual assembly through data-based assistance systems - challenges and solution ideas considering the legal framework conditions

Abstract

While automation is already well advanced in series production, manual production is still used for small batch sizes and multi-variant production. However, such workplaces also need to be modernized to produce not only economically but also sustainably. Improving ergonomic working conditions poses a challenge for work research: how can data-based assistance systems provide employees with recommendations on favourable work design while considering the tight legal framework regarding the collection of biometric data? A consortium of labour researchers from five colleges and universities, six network partners and more than 30 companies are working on this and other questions in the context of the introduction of AI solutions in the PerspektiveArbeit Lausitz structural change project (PAL). The declared aim is to support the transformation of the Lusatia coal mining region by enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to drive forward digitalization and use simple human-centred AI solutions to make work more people-friendly, thereby increasing their competitiveness and flexibility.The prototype is to be implemented at an electronics service provider with manual PCB production. In collaboration with Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, an application is being developed to improve activity-related ergonomics at the workplace. Visual sensors at and around the workplace will capture images that are compared with data from standards, guidelines, and ergonomics methods in real time to provide a direct message at the workplace in case of negative stress (e.g. forced posture, one-sided strain, gripping space). The video-supported analysis is intended to help identify and correct ergonomically critical movement sequences and avoid them in the long term to maintain the health of employees.Mittweida University of Applied Sciences develops an application to improve ergonomics by using visual sensors to record and evaluate ergonomic factors. The video-supported analysis is intended to identify ergonomically critical movement sequences and avoid them.It is important to not only "get employees on board” in this process from the outset in the sense of "informing" them, but to "involve" them in the implementation of the project to be able to incorporate their expertise into the development and to increase acceptance of the planned project. This is because AI applications that process personal data are regulated by the GDPR and soon also by the European Union's AI Regulation, which is expected for 2024. The Works Constitution Act (§87) must also be observed. It stipulates an economical and dedicated data collection and the avoidance of unnecessary data. What exactly needs to be considered when processing personal data using AI systems and what specific technical solution the assistance system provides to protect sensitive biometric data - this content is conveyed to the employees in awareness workshops