This university-industry collaboration research project is aimed to discover the underlying principles for design of computer-controlled devices for the assistance of assembly workers in handling heavy-weight objects. The research tasks include: understanding of common maneuvers to lift, move and transfer loads; design of human assist devices; adaptive control of human-machine system; computer hardware and software design; and overall system performance evaluation. The project is unique and innovative in the study of human-machine interface and the development of a computer-controlled device including this interface. The research is academically challenging and is likely to lead to an effective solution for work-related back injury problems when handling heavy loads.
