Wearable sensors monitor factory worker fatigue in real time

Manufacturing jobs have some of the highest injury rates of any industry, often due to workers' high levels of physical and mental fatigue. In an attempt to improve job sites, researchers have designed a system of wearable sensors that rely on machine learning to monitor workers for signs of physical strain and tiredness. In doing so, they hope their new devices will help prevent accidents and injuries. The design is detailed in a study published by a team at Northwestern University in the October issue of PNAS Nexus. To measure fatigue and physical health, researchers developed an interconnected array of six wearable sensors placed across a wearer's torso and arms.