Motion Capture Systems with IMU Sensors: A Preliminary investigation of Oil Palm harvesting Techniques

Motion capture systems employing Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors have found increasing utility in agricultural tasks, including oil palm for assessing occupational risks. However, research in this domain remains limited. This study aimed to conduct an initial observational assessment to predict the potential risk of injury based on joint contact force parameters in oil palm harvesting, specifically in the push technique. IMU data along with force data were processed using inverse dynamic technique through the utilization of the Biomechanics of Bodies (BoB) to calculate joint contact forces. The findings revealed that the work experience of the harvester and the cutting technique employed influence the potential injury in oil palm harvesting. These results underscore the necessity for further investigation to identify optimal harvesting techniques in oil palm harvesting that minimize the risk of work-related injuries.