Time on their hands with new sensor system

Under contract from engineering firm Dr Gruendler in Magdeburg, Germany, the researchers have built three matchbox-sized sensors, which, integrated in a sleeve, precisely record hand and arm movements and measure the start and end of individual actions. According to the Fraunhofer Institute, the sensors differentiate between reaching, grasping, setting up, joining, checking and releasing. Modules are simply positioned on the upper and lower arm and the hand, with operatives donning the equipment by wearing two pre-equipped sleeves that apparently fit like a second skin. "The present stopwatch method only allows a process organiser to time five individuals simultaneously, depending on the situation. Our solution makes it possible to record time simultaneously, even at several workplaces, without requiring additional labour," comments Martin Woitag, research manager at the Fraunhofer IFF. Unlike other motion tracking systems, such as GPS, Woitag's inertial measurement system functions without any associated infrastructure. The sensors independently detect objects' positions in space. "What is more, our solution doesn't require complex calibration," continues Woitag. "A tool that [learns] the measuring points directly at the assembly workplace is all that is needed," he states. PC software then calculates and reconstructs the motion sequences, based on the sensor data. Currently, the sleeves can be used for assembly jobs at sitting workplaces in logistics and manufacturing. Next, the researchers intend to configure the system to also analyse assembly operations during which workers stand or move around. They also plan to use the system to detect posture and hence analyse workplace ergonomics.