Journal of Ergonomics
Open Access

Ergonomics in the Era of Wearable Technology

Kanamitsu Yusuke^{* *}Correspondence: Kanamitsu Yusuke, Department of Human Factors, Okayama Central Hospital, Okayama, Japan, Email:

Author info »

Description

The proliferation of wearable technology in workplace settings represents both a transformative opportunity and a complex challenge for ergonomics professionals. These devices-ranging from fitness trackers and smart watches to exoskeletons and augmented reality headsets-fundamentally alter the physical and cognitive interface between workers and their environments. This commentary explains the ergonomic implications of workplace wearables, proposing frameworks for their evaluation and integration that maximize benefits while minimizing potential adverse effects.

Wearable technologies vary considerably in their form, function, and ergonomic impact. Monitoring devices collect physiological or environmental data without significantly altering physical work demands. Augmentative devices enhance capabilities through information provision or physical assistance. Protective wearables mitigate exposure to workplace hazards. Each category introduces distinct ergonomic considerations alongside its intended benefits, necessitating systematic evaluation approaches rather than general endorsement or rejection.

The potential benefits of workplace wearables from an ergonomic perspective are substantial. Real-time biomechanical feedback can help workers maintain safer postures and movement patterns. Physiological monitoring can detect early indicators of fatigue or stress before they manifest as performance decrements or injuries. Exoskeletons can reduce musculoskeletal loading during high-force tasks, potentially extending working careers in physically demanding occupations. Augmented reality systems can provide contextual information that reduces cognitive load and error rates during complex procedures.

However, these potential benefits must be weighed against several ergonomic concerns. Physical wearables introduce new contact stresses, weight distribution issues, and movement constraints that may create novel injury risks even as they mitigate existing ones. Cognitive wearables can increase attentional demands, create information overload, or induce excessive reliance that undermines skill development. Data However, these potential benefits must be weighed against several ergonomic concerns. Physical wearables introduce new contact stresses, weight distribution issues, and movement constraints that may create novel injury risks even as they mitigate existing ones. Cognitive wearables can increase attentional demands, create information overload, or induce excessive reliance that undermines skill development. Datagenerating wearables raise serious questions regarding privacy, autonomy, and the potential misuse of worker health information for administrative decisions.

Effective ergonomic evaluation of wearables requires expanding traditional assessment methodologies to capture these multidimensional impacts. Physical evaluation should examine not only the immediate effects on biomechanics but also adaptation patterns over extended use periods. Cognitive assessment must consider attentional allocation, situation awareness, and mental workload under varied task conditions. Organizational evaluation should address implementation factors including training adequacy, policy frameworks, and alignment with existing work processes.

Worker acceptance represents a critical yet often overlooked factor in wearable technology deployment. Research indicates that perceived usefulness, comfort, social acceptance, and privacy protection strongly influence adoption rates and usage patterns. Ergonomics professionals should actively incorporate user experience methodologies into wearable technology assessments, recognizing that even biomechanically optimal devices will provide minimal benefit if workers find them unacceptable or bypass their intended use.

Several principles can guide the ergonomic integration of wearables into workplace settings. First, these technologies should supplement rather than replace fundamental ergonomic improvements to work processes and environments. Wearables that compensate for poor workstation design or excessive task demands represent temporary accommodations rather than sustainable solutions. Second, implementation should follow a participatory approach, involving workers in selection, configuration, and evaluation processes. Third, clear policies must establish boundaries regarding data collection, ownership, access, and usage to protect worker privacy and autonomy.

The rapidly evolving nature of wearable technology presents particular challenges for research and standardization. Studies conducted on early-generation devices may have limited applicability to current models, while the diversity of available technologies complicates the development of universal standards or guidelines. Ergonomics professionals must therefore adopt iterative evaluation approaches that continuously reassess device impacts as technologies mature and work applications expand.

Conclusion

The continuous monitoring capabilities of many wearables enable detection of ergonomic issues before they manifest as reportable injuries or performance problems. This preventative potential aligns with the fundamental goal of ergonomics to design work systems that accommodate human capabilities and limitations. As wearable technologies become increasingly integrated into workplace environments, ergonomics professionals must develop the technical knowledge, assessment methodologies, and ethical frameworks needed to guide their implementation. By thoughtfully evaluating these technologies across physical, cognitive, and organizational dimensions, we can help ensure they enhance rather than compromise the relationship between workers and their environments.