DYNA JOURNAL ENGINEERING

As a result of the work they have developed a device that could be used to obtain a better representation of exposure levels since it can be used throughout the working day - due to its ease of use, portability, wireless connectivity and autonomy - which would allow risks to be identified in order to avoid them, say the creators.

The work has analyzed the feasibility of using wearable technology and have proposed possible applications and future solutions to help improve the existing methodology for assessing exposure to vibration, all based on the use of low-cost sensors called MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) that are currently available in most intelligent watches.

MEMS sensors have great future potential for use in many areas of occupational risk prevention. By analyzing the signal provided by these sensors, in the future it will be possible to detect exposure to vibration accurately, easily and at minimum cost.

On the basis of the results obtained in the project, it has been possible to characterise various vibration sensors of intelligent commercial watches, which has made it possible to identify their limitations, possible uses and future potential in various applications related to the assessment of occupational risks in the workplace, such as the detection of movement and activity, the detection of musculoskeletal injuries, the detection and prevention of falls and so on.

However, the work has also identified that the integration of these solutions is not yet fully mature due to the lack of a common framework for development that allows the use of the characteristics and advantages provided by wearable technology, taking advantage of information and communication technologies to create a complete system for the management, training and awareness of workers, as well as to be part of risk management systems integrated into the concept of industry 4.0.

In short, as Ignacio Pavón, the researcher responsible for the project, points out, "we can say that, although we have found some technical limitations, we have also identified opportunities for improvement. However, this technology is expected to increase in accuracy in the near future, when smart consumer devices get more performance from their sensors, associated electronics and battery autonomy.