Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect a quarter of the global population and represent the most common category of workplace injury. The Research to Solutions (R2S) and MSD Solutions Pilot grant programs are designed to increase collaboration among academic institutions, businesses, industries and emerging technology providers to mitigate MSDs.
The 2023 – 2024 R2S grant program had four grant winners:
- Rutgers University implemented an automated image captioning system, designed to help employers better identify ergonomic risk factors and real-time solutions
- Virginia Tech implemented inexpensive, camera-based markerless sensors along with machine-learning models to assess worker physical exposures and MSD risks more efficiently, accurately and comprehensively
- Iowa State University developed a predictive model and AI-based ergonomics app for risk assessment and mitigation that enables employers in high-risk industries to understand shoulder MSD risk in different scenarios
- University of Waterloo generated evidence-based guidance on computer vision-based MSD risk assessment technology in the workplace
The 2023 – 2024 Pilot grant featured solution providers who were tasked with assisting their industry partner, an MSD Pledgee, in reducing the risk of workplace MSDs.
- Burlington Hydro used TuMeke Ergonomics to assist with conducting ergonomic assessments of the company’s powerline technicians
- Guarantee Electrical Company worked with TuMeke Ergonomics to detect unsafe postures and glean data-driven insights to optimize their workplace safety programs
- Amerisure Insurance worked with both computer vision provider TuMeke Ergonomics and HeroWear which specializes in passive back-assist exosuits to prevent MSDs
- General Electric Aerospace partnered with HeroWear to better understand the operational benefits and worker impact of using exosuits to unload cargo trailers
Read both reports now for an overview of each grant project and more detailed discussion of the problems being solved, project aims, study methods, accomplishments, lessons learned and project publications.
