What are physical work assistance technologies?

Physical work tasks such as assembly, transport, or cleaning can be supported in particular by robotic systems. Interactive service or industrial robots, which can work directly with humans, play an important role.. These systems are deployed far beyond the manufacturing sector. They can be found in the healthcare sector and retail, for example. In particular, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can have a significant impact on the interaction between humans and robots. For example, AI can to support the basic functions of robotic systems, such as gripping, navigation, and object identification, thus influencing intuitive interaction. Work tasks can also be supported physically by different types of exoskeletons - assistance systems that are body worn. Other examples of physical assistance systems include driverless transport systems (DTSs), unmanned ground vehicles, and even drones.

Robots that collaborate directly with human beings are increasingly supporting employees in the performance of physical work tasks. The key factors decisive for the successful implementation and utilisation of robot systems in work environments are explored in baua: Aktuell 2/24 (in German).

Our research

The aim of the research done by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, BAuA) is to provide scientific answers to questions about a human-centred interaction with physical assistance technologies, such as exoskeletons and robots that can interact with humans. These findings will feed into our publications and policy advice, and have implications for future standardisation processes. This involves addressing issues such as human-centred interaction design and task allocations, the appropriate design of job control, feedback strategies, and the context-sensitive provision of information. Furthermore, knowledge is also gathered on both physical and mental load as well as strain.

Methodological approaches

Physical work assistance systems may - if used correctly - have benefits for human-centred work design. BAuA's aim is to enable the actors to exploit this potential by carrying out proactive, systematic analyses of new developments and their impacts. Knowledge about physical work assistance technologies is acquired through various channels. Apart from the analysis and review of scientific publications, in-house studies are conducted in the laboratory, where concrete workplaces are recreated and the implementation of different assistance systems investigated. The real-life handling of systems is monitored and assessed scientifically in field studies and surveys.