In partnership with the University of Minho, SEPRI is developing a scientific research and technological innovation project called “Worker Health & Performance” which promises to improve worker performance and increase company productivity.
The project, supported by Norte 2020 and the European Union, aims to develop a monitoring system based on bio-signals, capable of collecting a set of variables that help to understand the worker’s level of stress and performance in a non-intrusive way.
Based on the data collected, the technological system sends alerts to the worker, advising them to take a break and get up, correct their posture, carry out relaxation exercises, among many other recommendations, personalized according to the bio-signals collected.
The aim of the project goes beyond improving worker performance and, consequently, helping companies to increase productivity levels; it also aims to contribute to the prevention and/or treatment of work-related pathologies.
One of the first research phases of the project took place at SEPRI’s premises in Braga, where a group of researchers from the University of Minho was hosted on September 29th.
In this experimental test, the worker was placed in front of a computer and asked to follow the instructions on the screen.
Over a timed period, the worker had to answer mathematical sums, subtractions and divisions that increased in complexity.
While performing these tasks, certain bio-signals, such as heart rate and the galvanic response of the skin, were being collected.
On October 3rd, the same test took place at the Azurém campus of the University of Minho, regarding the experimental protocol for collecting physiological indicators.
The project continues to develop and periodic updates will be provided on the SEPRI website.
