Method for Stress Detection in Industrial Assemblers Using Smartwatch Sensors

Abstract

Goal: The purpose of this study is to present a method to quantitatively identify the levels of stress of employees during work using the technology of smart watches with sensors measuring vital signs and, from this data, deepen the discussion on the relationships between the levels of physical and cognitive complexity of the activities and their influence on the stress resulting from these works. 
 
 Theoretical reference: Use of literature through research on similar methods already applied in immersive training, dissertations, articles, and national standards. For this purpose, the Systematic Bibliographic Review (SBR) was used, which is “a scientific method for searching and analyzing articles in a given area of ​​science”. 
 
 Method: To achieve the objectives proposed in this work, a methodology with ten steps was developed. Four different workstations of an optical connector assembly company were selected to assess the stress levels of assemblers, using smart watch sensors, during their work activities. The workstations were evaluated for their physical load, through ergonomic analysis and for their cognitive load, through mental load classification. All data were statistically correlated. 
 
 Results and conclusion: Based on the statistical analysis of the data, it can be seen that the higher the level of complexity, the higher the average levels of stress presented. There is a direct influence on the level of stress and activities with greater complexity and related to physical (ergonomic) demands. The level of demand for carrying out activities, motivated by skills, rules and knowledge, mainly because they are related to decision-making, is related to the stress levels of employees, and can thus directly affect their mental health.
 
 Research implications: Through the results presented, we realized that reducing the demands of decision and reasoning during the activities requested at work, the company will be able to promote a reduction of the possible levels of stress of its employees, if this action does not impact on the reduction of their motivation for work. 
 
 Originality/Value: The method presented in this article differs from the others by comparing the different physical and mental demands with the stress levels measured with the use of smart watches during the activities of assembly line workers. It can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of an activity alternation approach, such as rotation, which can have a positive impact not only to minimize physical overloads but also to reduce levels of mental stress at work.