Mate Ergonomics develops digital twin software for physical strain analysis

KU Leuven spin-off Mate Ergonomics has developed software designed to quantitatively analyze physical strain on workers to predict ergonomic risks. The technology creates a ‘digital twin’ of an employee by combining video footage of work tasks with personal data such as age, height, and weight.

By applying biomechanical modeling to this digital model, the software calculates how external forces—such as lifting, pushing, or pulling—affect the musculoskeletal system. This approach aims to move beyond traditional observation-based checklists by providing individualized risk assessments based on mechanical loading rather than just posture.

Research into computer vision for these analyses shows that while using a single camera (such as a smartphone) is faster and more efficient than using infrared cameras or wireless sensors, accuracy is highly dependent on the camera angle. In studies involving simulated industrial tasks like palletizing and lifting, discrepancies in joint angle measurements were noted, with some differences reaching 10 degrees depending on the filming position.