The proposed research project fits into the cogent theme of workplace risk prevention and accident reduction to improve health and safety in the working environments, considering the main criticalities and introducing innovative solutions to support the operators, thus framing into the strategic emerging topic “Human Wellbeing”. At present, human reliability, fatigue, and physical/cognitive stress during the use of machinery have not yet been accurately explored, and the provisions of the OSH Framework Directive 89/391 are not properly implemented. To address these issues, it is important to understand how mental stress and fatigue impact operators’ safety conditions in work environments and during interaction with machines and robots. The introduction and use of new electronic and digital technologies such as wearable devices and artificial intelligence represent an opportunity to support production processes and safety in the work environments. Following the human-centred approach, the research proposal aims to configure, build, test and validate in laboratory (TRL3-TRL4) the full-scale prototype of the “augmented safety”neural wearable device. This device will be responsive in relation to the environmental context, the physical, functional, and cognitive abilities, the operators’ physiological condition, and to the technical characteristics and mode of use of machine tools and equipment within the work environment. It will be able (i) to monitor the user-operator health status during the execution of work tasks, (ii) the state of the machines, and (iii) to transfer real-time information useful to detect anomalies and the need for adjustments to simplify and ensure the user-operator’s safety during interaction. Key elements of the neural wearable device will be functional neuro-imaging systems, such as EEG and fNIRS, for assessing operators stress and fatigue levels. Alongside technological solutions based on existent devices, new technologies will be investigated and tested to integrate on-chip hardware systems to be worn during work activities without disturbing or impeding the operator vision and movement. The expected improvements over systems developed and commercial to date are referred to lightness, bulk, power consumption, and thus wearability and comfort for the operator. The infographics architecture and guidelines for the definition of operational protocols as “tools” to support operators in machine training and maintenance activities and provide real-time information needed to perform a specific task and move around safely, will be defined in line with the new device.
PI: Prof. Mario Buono | University of Campania “Vanvitelli”
Responsible of the Unit: Dr. Ivo Rendina | CNR-ISASI
Partnership: CNR-ISASI, University of Campania “Vanvitelli”
Financed by: Projects MUR PRIN 2022 PNRR, project code no. P2022RPYR3
Project overall budget: 240.000,00 €
CNR budget: 100.00,00 €
Duration: 30/11/2023 – 30/11/2025