Connected clothing prevents repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive strain injuries are a widespread problem and account for a large share of work-related ill health and sick leave. Using workwear with sensors that stream the body's movement patterns, start-up WAVR Tech aims to prevent the problem.

Poor work environment in Sweden costs SEK 164 billion every year, according to a 2017 survey. Repetitive strain injuries are one of the most common causes of these costs. To prevent repetitive strain injuries, start-up WAVR Tech has developed Zentnl - AI that analyzes data from workwear with embedded sensors. The technology allows both immediate and long-term safety and health risks to be detected and prevented.

Boliden was the first to test

Bolidenwas the first to test the clothing for its employees in Kankberg's mining operations. In the mining industry, there are risks and stressful work and the Group has a zero vision for accidents at work.

- "We are delighted that Boliden has chosen to test our product at an early stage. They are a company with enormous experience in the protection and safety of personnel in physical work and challenging environments," said Patrik Zayas (CEO of WAVR Tech) in connection with the project start.

Safety of lone workers

The sensors take measurements at the individual level and provide real-time information on the health and safety status of the miner under normal working conditions. They capture information on body positioning, posture and unnatural movements.

- We can detect overloading and unergonomic positions that can lead to injuries over time. We can also detect if a person working alone is injured," says Patrik Zayas, CEO of WAVR Tech.

At present, there is no other method for measuring risk exposure in a cost-effective and simple way. With actual data on how a person moves, it is possible to understand where, and in which work activities, there is an increased risk so that measures can be taken. The effects are improved health of the individual and reduced loss of production due to illness.

"Great potential in several industries"

Since the project with Boliden started, Zentnl has also initiated collaborations with the Occupational and Environmental Medicine South (AMM Syd) and Hitachi ABB Power Grids in Ludvika.  

- "Zentnl has great potential to significantly improve the work environment, safety and health in several sectors and industries," says Deborah Lygonis, the company's business coach at Innovatum Science Park's startup incubator.

Getting support via the startup incubator

Since the fall of 2019, WAVR Tech has been part of Innovatum Science Park's Startup Incubator, which means that they receive business advice, access to contacts and a number of other ingredients that create the conditions for startups to grow.

- In general, Innovatum Science Park has been a fantastic support for us! We have gained insight into other companies, and have been able to benefit from how they have thought and done. We have learned important lessons that have helped us avoid mistakes. And above all, we have had support and a sounding board based on our circumstances. The advice from our business coach, who also has a high level of technical expertise, has been incredibly valuable! The Innovatum Science Park brand has also helped us to create credibility, which is difficult for startups through validation of business models and processes. I can highly recommend other companies to get help from the startup team at Innovatum Science Park, Patrik concludes.