From firefighters battling blazes to field police navigating high-tension environments and heavy machinery operators working under duress, ICARUS ARMOR is set to transform workforce safety and performance. The ICARUS ARMOR project, supported by the ESA Technology Broker in Czechia through the ESA Spark Funding initiative, has successfully created a new technology to monitor stress and fatigue in people working in extreme conditions.
Fig. 1. Aleš Svoboda (left) – ESA astronaut reserve member and VIP participant in the testing campaign (photo: BUT)
The Risk: Thermal Stress Impacts
Thermal stress poses a significant threat to human performance, particularly when individuals are required to make critical decisions under pressure. Exposure to extreme temperatures can impair cognitive functions—such as attention, memory, and decision-making—putting workers at risk of accidents and mishaps. Understanding the complex relationship between thermal stress and cognitive dysfunction is imperative for creating effective monitoring systems that can safeguard human effectiveness and safety in demanding environments.
The Smart Solution: Digital Twin Models
The core innovation of ICARUS ARMOR lies in its ability to leverage personalized human digital twin models. Given that individuals under extreme stress often lack the awareness to accurately assess their own stress levels, the project began with creating a comprehensive prototype model during an experimental campaign at the Brno University of Technology’s climate chamber. This campaign evaluated human cognitive performance and physiological responses under varying climatic conditions while subjects engaged in a series of cognitive assessments.
Gathering Valuable Data
During the tests, data was collected through lightweight, non-invasive wearable devices, ensuring comfort without sacrificing accuracy. Notably, volunteers included Aleš Svoboda, a member of the ESA astronaut reserve, underscoring the project’s high-caliber testing environment. The flexibility of the system allows for the inclusion of various wearable devices, making it accessible for a wide range of users and scenarios.
Data Processing and Model Creation
The data gathered was systematically organized in a dedicated database, with biosignals processed and normalized by Uptimai for subsequent analysis. This adaptable approach enables the integration of additional biosignal types as needed, allowing for a constantly evolving monitoring framework.
Uptimai developed mathematical models—referred to as surrogate models—that establish the relationships between physiological responses, environmental conditions, and cognitive load. Importantly, these models can be computed in just minutes, facilitating real-time updates tailored to specific individuals or occupational groups.
User-Friendly Monitoring
In the course of the project, significant insights emerged, notably the conclusion that biosignals recorded from a breathing mask yielded minimal cognitive response data. This insight led to its exclusion from the monitoring suite, prioritizing user comfort while enhancing the overall efficacy of the monitoring environment.
Implementation of Active Monitoring
Evident in the workflow depicted in Figure 4, the Uptimai software platform plays a crucial role in managing live monitoring. As the user moves through their tasks, data from their wearables is relayed to the database, processed by Uptimai’s proprietary scripts, and funneled into the previously calibrated surrogate model. This sophisticated analysis allows for real-time assessment of an individual’s cognitive load, providing alerts if they are nearing their operational limits.
Benefits of ICARUS ARMOR
Versatility
- Customizable Hardware: The ICARUS ARMOR platform can accommodate a variety of wearables, catering to the specific needs and preferences of different users and situations.
Quick Adaptation
- Rapid Model Updates: The mathematical models can be refreshed in minutes, ensuring that both individual workers and professional teams are supported with up-to-date insights.
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
- Proactive Alerts: The system actively warns monitored personnel when their cognitive performance dips, enabling timely interventions and protecting workers in hazardous settings.
The ICARUS ARMOR project stands as a testament to the power of innovative monitoring technologies in safeguarding human performance in challenging environments. By applying thorough research and advanced data processing techniques, this ESA Spark-funded initiative is paving the way for a safer, more efficient future for professionals operating under thermal stress.
For more information about the ESA Technology Broker and the ICARUS ARMOR project, stay connected!
