INNOVATION
Multi-task Analysis
Saturn Ergonomics develops technologies for multi-task ergonomic analysis. Multi-task analysis offers many advantages over single-task analysis/assessment tools such as REBA, RULA, HAL, etc. Conventional single-task models are limited—assuming exposure levels for force, posture, and repetition/duration are constant (i.e., the worker does the same thing every time).
But most work is multi-task, not single-task. The force required to complete one step of a job may be greater, or less, than forces required to complete other steps. And some forces require more time to exert/complete than others. Real work is multi-task, where the worker does different things. Conventional analysis/assessment tools operate under what might be termed a “single-task expectation”; while in reality, most work is multi-task.
Saturn Ergonomics relies upon modern multi-task analysis models, overcoming many of the limitations of single-task models. With multi-task models, it’s possible to evaluate different levels of force, posture, and repetition/duration … in a single calculation!
Multi-task models have advantages.
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Task-level analysis insights useful for solution development
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Enable evaluation of job rotation plans/paths
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Accurately quantify the benefit of small, incremental improvements to the job
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Assess the impact of changes to operational parameters (cycle time, make/model mix, shift duration, etc.) on exposure levels
Artificial Intelligence
Early applications of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in industrial ergonomics involved Perception AI. Perception AI is artificial intelligence for gathering, interpreting, and processing/using sensory data. Examples include marker-less video motion capture, optical motion capture, and wearable sensors. There have been significant advancements in this technology, particularly for analyzing posture. But the technology is limited by real-world challenges such as obstructed camera views, analysis results being dependent upon worker size, and the inability to measure or incorporate force.
The application of AI in ergonomics is rapidly advancing past Perception AI. More recent advancements are Generative AI and Agentic AI. These are the AI technologies currently capturing public imagination, and changing … well, everything.
Generative AI is useful for producing new content such as text, images, code, etc. It responds to a human input—called a prompt. With Generative AI, single outputs (or sequential outputs) are initiated by human inputs. Whereas Agentic AI is capable of planning and executing multiple steps autonomously to reach a high-level goal. Agentic AI technology can perceive, plan, take action, observe results, and adapt. The next progression is Physical AI. Physical AI interacts with the real world, such as through self-driving cars and robotics.
Saturn Ergonomics is leveraging Generative AI and Agentic AI for applications in industrial ergonomics. Initial projects include
Ergo™ Chatbot
ErgoNews.AI
Our News app leverages LLM’s (Large Language Models) to find and label online ergonomics news in multiple categories (i.e., Industry, Regulatory, Academic, etc.). Then, Generative AI creates a summary of each news item, allowing users to quickly decide which items are of interest.
Ergo Podcast
The Ergo Podcast is our AI-generated podcast covering interesting (often complex and/or controversial) topics in industrial ergonomics. AI-generated hosts, Lilly and Michael, discuss topics in an entertaining, conversational manner.
Ergo™ Chatbot
Ergo™ is Saturn Ergonomics’ chatbot. On the website, www.saturnergonomics.com . Ergo™ answers visitor questions and performs tasks including user subscriptions, scheduling Titan demos, etc.