Altius Analytics Labs

Altius Analytics Labs is a Toronto, Canada-based software company helping better identify and prevent expensive workplace musculoskeletal injuries (MSDs). Founded by experts in biomechanics and computer vision engineering, our software product allows users to quickly, easily and accurately determine MSD risk using scientifically proven methods

MSDs are a significant workplace hazard; 1 in every 2 adults are affected resulting in a $213 Billion USD direct cost to employers and insurance providers. This is such a problem that government, industry and insurance-based regulatory bodies have mandated workplaces to regularly conduct 'ergonomic risk assessments' to identify, control and investigate MSD risk and claims. However, this process is too slow, tedious, costly and subjective to be effective on a large scale. This involves hiring an expert 'ergonomist' to manually/visually asses a workers' postures/movements during their job task. Companies understand these limitations but still pay to perform this process simply because it is the only solution currently available.

The Altius Ergonomic Risk System is the market's first tool to automate and objectify this process. This consists of a smartphone app and desktop software powered by proprietary computer vision algorithms. Our app uploads pictures/videos of a job task taken by users to a cloud server. This output measures of 3D human motion (e.g. joint angles, repetitions of motion, forces) without using any external devices/wearable sensors. This data is used to then calculate MSD risk using industry-standard risk assessment methods (e.g. 3D static strength, RULA, office workstation setup). Results and raw data are output to a software database allowing users to develop data-driven control strategies, quickly re-assess risk level and track data trends related to changes in risk level, 'predictors' of risk and and relate these values to actual MSD rates and financial effects.

Our initial customers fall within the ergonomics industry: experts hired by workplaces (e.g. manufacturing, warehouses, offices) to reduce MSD risk. This includes in-house ergonomists within large companies, 3rd party consultants and risk management professionals within the insurance industry. We operate on a SaaS model charging an annual fee based on the number of assessments performed; based on the number of customers, assessments typically performed and costs per assessment this is a potential multi billion dollar market opportunity.