Wearable Ergonomics: Novel Integrated Solutions, Applications and Open Challenges

At present, the availability of wearable systems provides the capability of a quantitative, reliable and objective measurement of workers’ activities in ecological settings, thus without affecting the normal execution of the required tasks. The actual solutions offer the chance to integrate existing approaches used in the assessment of the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) within a multi-parametric framework, which should be properly exploited, even considering the inclusion of international standards. This present perspective also means developing new methodologies to collect and analyze big datasets, to be adopted for the evaluation of the physiological parameters, physical factors and the interaction within the environment. In this light, we dealt with the design and development of an integrated framework for the analysis of WRMSD and related risk exposure addressing complex working activities. A new set of technologies and novel methodological approaches were faced in the different scenarios, including large scale retail distribution, health, and industrial applications. This chapter aims at providing a short overview of the current situation and designing perspectives in technological evolution and methodology enhancement and giving a brief perspective on the most recent applications.