Skelex ErgoScan AI for Ergonomic Assessment

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) managers use various analytical methods to assess musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks. The Skelex ErgoScan AI is a software tool designed to provide video-based ergonomic analytics for workplace environments. Developed in partnership with Wearhealth , the application is intended to assess physical risk and support data-driven decisions regarding injury prevention.

Here is an objective look at the tool's methodology, intervention strategies, and privacy parameters.

Video-Based Analytics Methodology

The WearHealth application utilizes a single recorded video of a specific task to conduct its ergonomic risk assessment.

• Tracking and Computation: The AI tracks joint positions frame by frame, computing specific posture angles and the total exposure time in those positions.

  
  

• Standardized Scoring: Based on the movement data, the system generates a Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) score, which ranges from 1 to 7 to quantify the severity of the risk.

  
  

• Regulatory Alignment: The software's angle thresholds are aligned with established standards, specifically ISO 11226 for static postures and EN 1005-4/5 for postures and repetition around machinery.

  
  

• Scope of Analysis: The system analyzes static postures and repetitive movements based on posture & user input. It does not estimate the physical loads or forces being handled by the worker.

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Risk Mitigation and Equipment Integration

Following the video analysis, the software provides a list of potential solution categories designed to reduce injury risk, following the established hierarchy of controls.

When the hierarchy indicates a need for personal protective equipment or mechanical intervention, the report highlights exoskeleton options from Skelex to reduce strain on the back, shoulders, or arms.

• Mechanical Support: Exoskeletons are suggested to offload weight and stabilize joints during physically demanding work to minimize muscle fatigue.

  
  

• Third-Party Verification and Reimbursement: As a recognized preventative measure, Skelex products have been verified by the Fraunhofer Institute. Additionally, because they proactively mitigate MSD risks, their implementation is eligible for reimbursement by several insurance companies.

  
  

• Targeted Solutions: Specific exoskeleton models are recommended based on the exact risk insights. For example, the Skelex 360 is mapped to overhead shoulder work, while the Skelex Edge is designated for back strain associated with deep or repeated bending. While the Skelex Neck is deployed for hypertension of the deck.

  
  

• Development Background: The underlying technology for these exoskeletons originated at the Technical University Delft and was subsequently developed in collaboration with TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research.

Data Privacy and Implementation Guidelines

Integrating video analytics into a workplace requires adherence to data privacy protocols and a clear understanding of the tool's intended use.

• Privacy Controls: The WearHealth platform is fully GDPR compliant. Videos are processed strictly for posture estimation; faces and other personal identifiers are automatically blurred, and the resulting data is stored under anonymized IDs.

  
  

• Professional Review: The ErgoScan app generates an automated snapshot intended for guidance purposes only. All findings should be independently reviewed by an HSE manager or certified ergonomics professional before any physical or procedural changes are implemented on the floor.

  
  

• Usage Restrictions: The tool is explicitly designed for safety and risk assessment and is not to be used for employee performance monitoring or disciplinary actions.