AI against back pain – wearables for safe workplaces
Esteban Bayro-Kaiser studied electrical engineering in Chile and earned his doctorate in artificial intelligence at the University of Bremen. His research led to the development of WearHealth, a startup that uses sensors to make workplaces safer. The goal was clear from the outset: to use technology in a meaningful way to solve real health problems.
At the heart of WearHealth are small sensors that are worn on clothing. They detect dangerous movements in real time – such as lifting incorrectly from the back – and immediately provide feedback to the wearer via vibration. Companies receive anonymized evaluations and can design workplaces to be more ergonomic.
A key concern is that employee data remains anonymous. No one is monitored individually. It's about patterns, not people. No audio or video recordings are made. According to Esteban, this principle is crucial to the high level of acceptance of the system among employees.
Whether in logistics, manufacturing, or even mining, WearHealth can reduce unhealthy movements by over 70 percent, according to Esteban. Employees report less pain and greater safety, and even recommend the system to others. WearHealth is already active in Europe and South America, and will soon be available in the US. The long-term vision is to create healthier workplaces worldwide.