Semi-Automatic Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) with Azure Kinect of assembly and disassembly tasks, and the related learning curve

The correct use of a rapid upper limb assessment is fundamental to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Motion Capture (MOCAP) technologies are now being investigated for ergonomic risk assessment. One of the most commonly used technologies is depth cameras, in particular Kinects. Using version 3 of Kinects (Azure Kinect), we developed an application, named AzKRULA, for ergonomic risk assessment using a Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) to carry out a video analysis on an assembly task. We analysed 140 videos of an operator performing assembly and disassembly tasks thus enabling us to identify both a short-term and a long-term learning effect. In addition, we found a negative correlation between the ergonomic risk and the learning curve which we believe should be investigated further.