Hello everyone! The other day, I had a terrifying dream where my colleague, Mr.O, exclaimed: “Ah, I wish I went with the fried chicken instead. Hey, Suemoto, if you haven’t ordered yet, take this instead!” and basically forced me to swap meals.
I‘m Suemoto, the PR representative here.
When I told him about this dream, he said: “That’s terrible,” and my mind was set at ease with regards to the peace of the real world.
Now, it’s been about a few months since I joined the company, and I was in high spirits after going all-out for my first Meet The Team blogpost. Just then, my boss, Mr. G, approached, cracking his knuckles with a determined look on his face.
※ Just to clarify, the ‘G’ in Mr. G isn’t for Gorilla, but indeed the initial of his name!
Let’s go ahead and write a blogpost concerning ‘Ergono’ today. It’ll be good for your studies too!
What… what do you mean by ‘Ergono’ and studies? (I can guess what you mean by study)
That’s right. I, Suemoto, have always hated the word studies with the passion of a thousand burning suns.
What’s worse is that now, the understanding of the product, which I had always left up to the others during the Meet the Team blogposts, was now going to fall on my shoulders. The time is ripe for me to flex my brainpower, which has been stiffened after years of just using my brawn, and…😪 Huh? Did someone just…? Who just called me a meathead? Anyway, that’s enough for my stand-up comedy act🤭
I hope that today, I will be able to introduce Ergono through this blog, with the assistance of the developers.
Table of Contents
First of all, what is Ergonomics (Human Factors Engineering) ?
Ergonomics, also known as Human Factors Engineering (HFE), is a field of study focused on incorporating human characteristics, such as movements and physical features, into the design of objects, systems, and environments. The aim is to reduce strain, minimize errors, and enhance comfort, productivity, and efficiency, with the goal of creating solutions that are better suited for human use.
Specific examples of ergonomics can be seen in use cases like ramps on staircases for improved accessibility, which are designed with the principles of ergonomics to create a ‘user-friendly‘ environment. Similarly, in the field of IT and computers, ergonomic principles are applied in the design of multi-functional mice and gaming chairs, that reduce fatigue even during extended periods of use.
User-friendly…
According to a certain ranking, our very own Fukuoka prefecture ranks an impressive second when it comes to prefectures that look like they have the most kind people🤭 …wait, what was I talking about again?
What does VP-Ergono do?
In the Ergono system which we developed, after importing images or videos, AI infers the 3D skeletal structure and calculates and visualizes the strain placed on each joint based on the obtained skeletal information. Evaluating these values allows for practical applications, such as improving specific postures.
For example, in settings like manufacturing, where workers bend their backs while working, the Ergono system can analyze their posture from an overhead perspective. To make improvements, adjustments such as raising the worktable to eliminate the need for bending can then be implemented.
For those who found it a bit confusing, don’t worry.
Have you ever had an experience like this?
My back hurts, but I don’t know why…🤔 But what if everyday life could be analyzed through ergonomics?
You can now visualize when your body is under strain due to certain postures!!!
In other words…
Something like that 👀!
Usage scenarios other than factories and manufacturing industries
Supermarket displays and cash registers
VP-Ergono could be useful in regulating allocation of workforce to each station, assigning a numerical value to the strain experienced at each station, think stocking shelves for example, and determining whether it is work that women or elderly people could safely perform too. Additionally, it helps minimize the gap in labor expectations before and after assignment to workstations.
Improving form during sports
By understanding the timing and the numerical value of strain put on the body when adopting proper form, you can then compare it to your own form, and can pave the way to achieving the ideal form.
Additionally, even during movements where intense strain is unavoidable, VP-Ergono can serve as a reference to help prevent chronic injuries, improve post-exercise care, and refining training methods. It would be great to have insights in these aspects.
Prevention of injury during strength training
Weight training not only puts strain on muscles but also on joints. Performing exercises with excessive range of motion or incorrect angles can lead to improper force transmission, increasing the risk of joint pain and injuries. By conducting strain analysis on various body types using Ergono, it is possible to utilize the data to improve the form, specifically tailored to each individual. This can significantly contribute to preventing injuries and optimizing the training experience based on the person’s unique physique and capabilities.
Furthermore, integrating VP-Ergono with smartwatches to notify users of forms or movements that put significant stress on joints could enhance usability significantly!
By the way, I used to be a rifle shooter, but I shot with a curved back, so I suffered from back pain for many years…😝😝
▼ Screenshot of the Ergonomics Evaluation Software!
Conclusion
We will continue to improve the accuracy of our products, and hope that more people will use them. We aim for a peaceful world by empathizing with the unnoticed burdens and accompanying pains.
Well… how was my poor explanation? I’m still learning more about our company`s products! There is room for growth, isn’t there?😁
Skeletal detection powered by AI on a device as small as your palm? Discover VisionPose Nano, an accessible and user-friendly platform at an affordable price.
