About the practice :
Where: Belgium
Start date: 2017
Status: active
Beneficiaries: 1. vulnerable groups (i.e., people with a (work) disability, people with a temporary or structural (work) limitation, etc.); 2. associations, companies, governments and third parties who employ, guide, train and support these groups
Funded by: Lichtwerk's own funding; governmental subsidy
OVERVIEW OF THE PRACTICE
Lichtwerk's goal is to create an inclusive labour market so that people with disabilities and other individuals with a certain distance to the labour market have access to paid employment. To achieve this, Lichtwerk provides smart assistive Augmented Reality work and training stations, powered by LightGuide AR software. The solution offers “cognitive support” through the projection of digital work instructions on any work surface, providing operators with visual guidance, feedback and confirmation. This helps them to better learn new complex processes. The solution replaces written and oral work instructions with an intuitive and intelligent guidance programme that complies with the highest quality standards and makes the workspace safer and more inclusive. The assistive technologies provided by Lichtwerk can be used as permanent support, but also for (re) training and educational purposes.
This solution has so far been installed in social enterprises, conventional manufacturing companies, schools and training centres.
THE METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH
Lichtwerk develops and implements custom-made LightGuide AR solutions in co-creation with the operators (workers with support needs) and the supporters (job coaches, tutors, occupational therapists, etc.).
The practice is delivered by following a "Think & Design – Build & Implement – Maintain & Improve" approach, developed around the three following phases:
1. "Think & Design"
In this preliminary phase, behavioural analysis (tasks to be performed/skills and needs of people doing the jobs), scope refinement, final scope definition and impact calculation are the key activities. The aim is to provide the organisation benefitting from the practice with transparent insight into the specific added value of smart assistive LightGuide AR work and training stations, both on people (e.g., positive impact on their well-being, autonomy, proficiency level and skills development) and on business level (e.g., positive impact on product quality and overall work floor efficiency and productivity). In this phase, all expertise of all partners and the different groups of people involved (workers with support needs or job seekers and their supporters) is brought together in order to define, refine and document the needs, approach and estimated outcomes.
2. "Build & Implement"
During this implementation phase, the smart assistive LightGuide AR work and training stations are configured, tested and installed at the customer's premises. The supporters get extensive training on how to create and improve existing and new digital work instructions.
3. "Maintain & Improve"
Once the smart assistive AR work and training stations have been installed, a lot of data is collected and analysed. This information is continuously used to improve and support workers, their supporters and enablers, the processes and the products.
TYPE OF SKILLS DEVELOPED
The technology is used for training, retraining (e.g., after a long period of absence, illness) or for permanent support to people who are in need of support. The training stations are especially suited for industrial tasks (assembly) or logistical tasks.
THE INNOVATIVE ASPECT
The innovation of the practice lies in its "Go Digital, Stay Human" approach, which aims at making work feasible and manageable for every employee or job seeker. Moreover, the software used collects different data to monitor the progress of the operator and capture his/her needs, thus making the implemented technology adaptable to each individual and each task.
The practice has also received many awards as recognition of its innovative aspect.
IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY
The assistive technology has a positive impact on the operator's well-being, minimising the stress experienced when learning or executing complex tasks. It also encourages workers to be more autonomous in their work. This technology contributes to a more inclusive labour market, as more people with disabilities can find employment in social economy or conventional enterprises. . The implementation of LightGuide in educational settings contributes to this inclusiveness since it makes the transition to the labour market easier.
In order to guarantee the sustainability of the solution, Lichtwerk makes sure that the digital work instructions and training stations offered to organisations can always be adapted to new tasks and new employees. Moreover, by remaining updated about new technologies and market changes, Lichtwerk is able to anticipate future needs and adapt its services accordingly. Lichtwerk is also looking to expand its activities by working with international partners to reach more customers and push for more diversity across the economy.
Contact:
Lieven Bossuyt
Lieven.Bossuyt@lichtwerk.io
http://www.lichtwerk.io