Development of AI-based ergonomics risk assessment tools for harmonization of industrial work systems

Abstract

Manufacturing industry workers face significant ergonomic risks due to poorly designed work systems. Consequently, it is crucial to periodically assess work systems to identify areas for improvement. However, the assessment process is often disregarded due to the absence of userfriendly ergonomics risk assessment tools. The primary objective of this study is to address this issue by leveraging artificial intelligence to develop convenient ergonomics risk assessment tools for occupational injury management. The study identified four significant challenges that hamper the effectiveness of ergonomics risk assessment: (1) a lack of versatile physical-ergonomic tools; (2) the fragmented nature of existing ergonomic tools that fails to provide an integrated assessment of work systems; (3) the challenge of developing an interpretable data analytics framework for risk diagnosis; and (4) the inability to develop human-centered ML-powered ergonomics risk assessment tools. To address these challenges, the study pursued four objectives. First, a versatile physical-ergonomics risk assessment tool is developed using the Pattern Search optimization algorithm to simplify tool selection for improving work systems. Second, a fuzzy logic-based Decision Support System is developed to provide an integrated assessment of the ergonomic performance of work systems by blending physical, environmental, and sensory risk factors. Third, an effective and interpretable machine learning-based data analytics framework is developed for diagnosing safety and ergonomics risk factors in work systems. Finally, a literature review is conducted to uncover the many design challenges that hinder the development of human-centered ML-powered ergonomics risk assessment tools. Overall, this study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of AI as a valuable technology for developing convenient ergonomics risk assessment tools that aid health and safety specialists in mitigating ergonomic risks by facilitating the harmonization of industrial work systems