Research explores how adaptive artificial intelligence can help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve employee well-being.

Portland, ME – The MEMIC Safety Research Center has awarded its 2026 Safety Research Grant to Dr. Gaojian Huang, Dr. Yue Luo, and Dr. Guannan Liu of San José State University. The team will receive $30,000 to study how new technology can help reduce musculoskeletal injuries, such as back, neck, shoulder, and wrist pain, that are common among people who spend long hours working at computers.

Their project, "Physical AI for Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Reduction in Office Work: Smart Sensing and Adaptive Ergonomic Interventions," will develop a smart workstation system that uses artificial intelligence and sensors to identify potential ergonomic risks and encourage healthier work habits. The goal is to help employees avoid injury while improving comfort and productivity.

MEMIC formally presented the 2026 Safety Research Grant, the fifth awarded through the program since the Safety Research Center’s inception in 2021, to the San José State University team during a live webinar on September 11. The event provided employers, MEMIC policyholders and agents, safety professionals, and members of the academic community an opportunity to learn more about the research and how emerging technologies may help reduce workplace injuries and improve employee well-being.

“We’re honored to be selected as the 2026 recipient of the MEMIC Safety Research Center grant,” said Dr. Gaojian Huang, principal investigator and associate professor in San José State University’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. “Our goal is to develop and test an adaptive human-AI environment system for computer-based work that can estimate relevant physical and cognitive states and select the timing and form of AI assistance. We expect what we learn about prompt timing, worker control and the role of the workspace to inform practical design guidelines and the next stage of research and development.” 

“Musculoskeletal injuries continue to be a significant source of workplace discomfort, lost productivity and workers’ compensation claims,” said Maryann Hoff, MEMIC’s Vice President of Safety and Loss Control. “What is especially exciting about this research is its exploration of ongoing monitoring and feedback rather than relying solely on a one-time or periodic ergonomic intervention. That approach could help identify changing risks and provide support when workers need it most.”

The project aligns with MEMIC's 2026 research priorities, including the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, wearable technology, and other innovative approaches to injury prevention. It also addresses a growing challenge as more employees spend their workdays at a computer.

“We evaluated each proposal for its impact, innovation and relevance to our policyholders and occupational safety as a whole,” said Anna Hooper, MEMIC Safety Consultant and Safety Research Center co-chair. “The San José State University team’s project stood out for its innovative use of AI to address ergonomic hazards in computer-based work. The potential applications extend well beyond a traditional office setting and could benefit workers across a wide range of industries.” 

Researchers expect the project to produce practical design guidelines and at least one research paper. Their evaluation will focus on feasibility and user experience, along with preliminary ergonomic outcomes such as posture, break behavior and reported discomfort. The findings are intended to inform future research and development. 

About the MEMIC Safety Research Center

The MEMIC Safety Research Center advances workplace safety through research, education, and collaboration. Through its annual grant program, the Center supports innovative research that addresses emerging workplace safety challenges and helps translate academic research into practical solutions that reduce injuries and improve worker well-being.

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About The MEMIC Group

The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC Indemnity Company, MEMIC Casualty Company, and its parent company, Maine Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company. All companies are rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.

MEMIC is licensed to write workers’ compensation coverage across all 50 states. We partner with more than 22,000 employers and support approximately 1 million of their employees through proactive safety services and compassionate injury management. Our teams are committed to helping workplaces thrive, from Maine to Florida and beyond.

In January 2026, The MEMIC Group acquired The Dakota Group® including Risk Administration Services Inc. Go to the full press release to learn more.

For more information, visit www.memic.com.