Workplace stress, the age of AI management is coming
17 institutions in 5 countries are developing AI-based workplace stress management apps
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, mental health care is becoming more important in countries, along with the severity ofmental health issues such as depression and burnout. Accordingly, korean researchers at the Korea ElectronicCommunications Research Institute (ETRI) are developing "WellMind", a platform for accurate stress measurement,management, and customized solutions through international joint research. "Wellmind" is expected to usher in an era ofaccurate and convenient smart mental care based on wearable devices and AI, such as smartphones and smartwatches.
New AI mental healthcare 'wellmind', what's different?
Previously, there have been steady attempts to collect biometric data such as sleep patterns, heart rate, and body temperaturethrough wearable devices that are usually worn to take care of the mental health of users. however, measuring thepsychological aspects through biometric data results in significant errors depending on many factors, such as the differenttendencies and circumstances, movement conditions, and environment of each user.
In addition to wearable devices, welmind measures stress at work with greater precision by comprehensively consideringworking hours, work schedules, work patterns, etc. through google calendar integration, as well as working environmentdata such as lighting, fine dust, temperature, humidity, noise, carbon dioxide, and smell in conjunction with respiratorydetection sensors.
Unlike conventional technologies focused on temporary stress reduction, Wellmind focused on long-term use of workcycles. It provides stress analysis and forecasting through AI, as well as overall management of business hours andenvironments. For example, if the AI that collects work information recognizes stress and work overload, it will customizethe user's schedule. It also captured the accessibility and convenience of users through the form of an app.
VR content for stress relief is also completed
WELMIND, AN AI-POWERED STRESS PLATFORM, WILL PROVIDE PERSONALIZED STRESS SOLUTIONS BYANALYZING STRESS CONDITIONS AND WORK SCHEDULES MEASURED IN REAL TIME. DEPENDING ONTHE LEVEL OF STRESS AND PERSONAL PREFERENCES OF THE USER, THEY OFFER A VARIETY OFSOLUTIONS, INCLUDING TEA DRINKING, LISTENING TO MUSIC, STRETCHING, AND MEDITATION.
Stress relied and pain relief effects using virtual reality (VR) have been reported in several studies, and researchers have completed the creation of VR content to relieve stress and are currently verifying its effectiveness. The app also provides a quick overview of the state changes before and after stress relief solutions, making it easier and more intuitive to manage stress.
International cooperation to combat workplace stress with AI
The project is the EU ITEA 3 Mad@Work project, which involves 17 institutions from five countries, including SouthKorea, Finland, Austria, Spain and Portugal. As an EUREKA CLUSTER project of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce,we have been in close international cooperation since December 2019. If ETRI researchers in South Korea are focused ondeveloping wearable devices and apps, the Finnish Center for Technical Research (VTT) conducted a study measuringcomputer and program usage patterns, key pressures, mouse click patterns, etc. through its own development programs,keyboards, and mice, and cybersecurity firm Nixu was responsible for data security and privacy protection for the users itcollected.
What will happen to the status and future plans?
Currently, researchers are analyzing the results of national online surveys with a European consortium to reflect various cultural differences in the collection and analysis of stress information and preference for resolution solutions. In addition, according to ETRI Kim Hyun-Sook, Research Director, "The technology for collecting and refining data is key" and is in the process of "accumulating learning data to improve the accuracy of the current model."
In the future, researchers plan to increase the completeness of AI analysis models to expand their use after optimization for employees. In addition, it plans to contribute to the spread of personal healthcare services through technology transfer to digital health companies at home and abroad.
The prevention, diagnosis and resolution and rapid management of stress for workers will contribute to improving mentalwellbeing and productivity in organizations and society, as well as in many digital and wellness industries. smart mentalhealthcare is a product of artificial intelligence, big data, and the internet of things. it is hoped that the future of modernscience and technology, which is developing, will contribute to a "happy life" in the near future.
