From Laboratory to Field: Benchmarking Motion Capture Technologies for Offshore Wind Turbine Maintenance Ergonomics
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Offshore wind turbine maintenance poses significant ergonomic challenges due to physically demanding tasks performed in dynamic environments. This study benchmarks three motion capture technologies—marker-based, flexible sensor-based, and phone video-based systems—for evaluating biomechanical demands in simulated maintenance activities. Sagittal plane lumbar flexion angles derived from sensor- and video-based systems closely match those from the marker-based system in simpler tasks, with root mean square error (RMSE) values under 7° and high correlation coefficients. However, accuracy declined in complex or multi-plane motions, particularly for axial rotations. These findings support the use of sensor- and video-based systems as portable, costeffective alternatives to marker-based motion capture for field applications, while underscoring the need for cautious interpretation for dynamic or asymmetric movements.
Authors: Yinong Chen, Hernan Santos, Jian Tao, Yu Ding, Xudong Zhang
Institutions: Texas A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
OpenAlex ID: W4412371953