VelocityEHS has unveiled a new 3D model for motion capture, significantly enhancing its Industrial Ergonomics Solution. This latest update aims to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk assessments by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), it said in a press release.
Musculoskeletal disorders remain a leading cause of workplace injuries, impacting workers’ lives and costing businesses billions annually. The new 3D model, developed in collaboration with leading universities and researchers, marks a significant advancement from the previous 2D model introduced by Humantech, which Velocity acquired in 2018.
“Your people work in a 3D world, your ergonomics solutions should too,” said Dr. Julia Penfield, VP of Research & Machine Learning at VelocityEHS. She emphasized that the model’s development involved extensive testing and analysis, including 500 videos and 7 million images. This rigorous process aimed to ensure high accuracy and reliability, making the tool accessible to ergonomics professionals of all experience levels.
The new model automates the scoring of wrist postures, side bending, back twisting, and other complex body movements. Blake McGowan, a certified professional ergonomist and Solution Executive for Ergonomics at VelocityEHS, highlighted the model’s precision, noting, “It is 50% more accurate at quantifying body segment angles than the previous version and captures 100% of data and scoring for elbows, shoulders, back, and neck, even when segments are temporarily hidden.”
The launch also introduces an Interactive Posture Risk Timeline, which visualizes moments of highest risk to improve analysis and implementation of corrective actions. This feature, along with embedded expertise, aims to help EHS managers and ergonomics teams effectively address MSD risks before they result in injuries.
“If a company is serious about reducing MSD risk, this is where you start,” said Matt Airhart, CEO of VelocityEHS. He believes the new model offers life-changing potential for frontline workers, building on the foundation laid by the initial 2D model.
Current users of VelocityEHS Ergonomics will experience a seamless transition, with the updates integrating automatically into their existing workflows. The process remains straightforward: users upload a video of a worker performing a task, and the software analyzes the motion to provide detailed risk assessments.
This advancement underscores VelocityEHS’s commitment to leveraging AI and ML to enhance workplace safety and ergonomics. The company’s expertise and collaborative efforts with academic institutions reflect its ongoing dedication to innovation in the field of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) solutions.
VelocityEHS continues to support more than 10 million users worldwide, offering a suite of software solutions for managing safety, ergonomics, chemical management, and more. Headquartered in Chicago, with locations across North America, Europe, and Australia, VelocityEHS remains a leader in EHS technology and innovation.