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Robotics and virtual reality used for health and safety

3 minutes of reading
Improving working conditions on sites with a system combining robotics and virtual reality. This is far from a fairy tale – this research and development programme will come into effect in 2020. The aim is to train employees to pick up the right habits, via a process that is both visual and tactile.
Using virtual reality to pick up the right habits and learn the right posture in order to work safely and avoid the risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This is, in short, the research and development work that Mehdi Hafsia is carrying out at the Innovation and Sustainable Development Department at Bouygues Construction. His thesis is being supervised by the University of Versailles Saint Quentin, in Yvelines (UVSQ – Paris Saclay). This work, which is intended to train site operators, has several objectives: “This approach is intended to improve employees’ daily lives and eliminate accidents and health problems”, explained Mehdi Hafsia. He added: “It also examines the role of the employee, the tool and the workstation of tomorrow. How can we design this workstation to be more ergonomic and cost less? The underlying idea is that it is being designed for and with the employee .” The project is inspired by existing schemes in industry as well as procedures in the medical sector used to train surgeons: “We’re not starting from scratch! ”. The idea was to develop a simulator that would train employees on how to use a crowbar* to move form panels** correctly and safely. An actual practical solution has arisen from this research: a simulator comprising a virtual reality helmet, a robotic platform and a camera to track and evaluate users’ posture in order to correct it.

Laboratory test – Simulator + Immersive VR Headset

Visual and tactile virtual reality

With this simulator, users get more than a simple immersive 3D experience. The robotic platform “responds” to the movement made when performing the task, by creating a genuine physical resistance. “Evaluating the ergonomics of a workstation without any tactile sensations or haptic feedback would be meaningless. You cannot observe how someone’s body behaves when they are lifting an entirely virtual object. On the other hand, if you add restrictions, you can see how the body reacts. That is what we are looking to do with the simulator”, Mehdi Hafsia explained. One example is the formworker training that the researcher followed: “They told me: “Lift with your legs, not with your back.” The trainer saw that I was getting my position wrong, but it was very subjective. I didn’t get any precise feedback.” The simulator makes it easier to analyse postures and pushing power.

What is the objective now?

Incorporate virtual reality into a conventional training programme: “It will not replace conventional training – it will form a bridge between theory and practice. What we are adding is the “brick” of learning good habits and good posture in a supervised, secure environment”, stated Mehdi Hafsia. There is also a bonus: “Instead of having merely a qualitative assessment based on the trainer’s expertise, the process developed will provide information and quantifiable measuring data on the effort furnished by the employee, which, among other things, will mean that we will be able to correct postures. ” So when will the first training courses be run? “My thesis is due to end in or around the first half of 2020. The tactile side is ready; the posture tracking brick is still in development…it’s the most delicate part.” This phase, like the phases before it, will be run in collaboration with the employees, who are the most directly affected and will be the future users of the solution.
* Crowbar: an iron tool used for moving formwork panels
** Form panel: a formworking tool used as a mould for pouring concrete shells.