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Wearable Sensors in Industrial Ergonomics: Enhancing Safety and Productivity in Industry 4.0

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: The fourth industrial revolution has transformed industrial ergonomics through the adoption of wearable technologies to enhance workplace safety and well-being. This study conducts a comprehensive scoping review, structured according to PRISMA guidelines, examining how wearable devices are revolutionizing ergonomic practices within Industry 4.0. After analyzing 1319 articles from major databases including SpringerLink, MDPI, Scopus, and IEEEXplore, 36 relevant studies were selected for detailed analysis. The review specifically focuses on how wearable technologies improve worker comfort and safety, promoting more productive work environments. The findings reveal that wearable devices have significantly impacted ergonomic conditions in industrial settings, with artificial intelligence integration showing the highest presence in analyzed applications. Over the past years, wearable technology implementations have demonstrated a 38% improvement in optimizing ergonomic conditions compared to traditional approaches.

Source: Sensors

DOI: 10.3390/s25051526

Authors: Jose E. Naranjo, Carlos A. Mora, Diego Fernando Bustamante Villagómez, María Gabriela Mancheno Falconi, Marcelo V. Garcia

Institutions: Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Universidad Internacional SEK, Universidad Técnica de Ambato

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety Management

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137