Design

Redesigning Parachute Rigging.

Pain points occur at different areas of the parachute packing process, so we designed an ecosystem of solutions that all work together to make rigger's lives better.

Smart Table.

The long wooden tables used by riggers are the cornerstone of the entire packing process, yet they have remained the same for decades. Riggers come in all shapes and sizes, but the tables do not. Our new envisioned design accommodates different rigger needs by automatically adjusting the height to each rigger's optimal working position. This will improve form and reduce posture-related injuries, as riggers no longer have to hunch over or reach awkwardly as they pack.

Our current vision utilizes a wristband with RFID technology that has the rigger's height stored in it. A scanner will be embedded in the table, and scanning the wristband will automatically change the table height to an optimal ergonomic position. This also allows for data collection, such as tracking attendance or how long each rigger takes to pack.

Cardboard Table Prototype with Height Adjusting Legs

Adjustable Height

Now the table can adapt to any height, so riggers of all sizes can comfortably pack

Cardboard Table Prototype with a paper scanning area for an RFID wristband

RFID Scanning

Adjusting the height of the table is easy with a quick scan of the RFID wristband, which has the rigger's height stored

A loop tension device embedded into the table prototype

Built-In Tools

Tools like tension plates and line separators are now built right into the table, so riggers don't lose them or waste time accounting for them

Our envisioned design would improve rigger health and safety by reducing injuries sustained from the poor packing environment. Personnel would be kept in top shape for packing, and medical expenses would be reduced. It would also enhance efficiency and productivity by optimizing the working conditions.

A few distinct metrics need to be tested by our prototype. First, whether it makes a noticeable impact on back and shoulder injuries and actually helps riggers. Second, whether riggers are comfortable with personal data such as height being stored in a wristband. Finally, whether riggers can adapt to changes in their work environment.

Computer Vision.

Our design leverages current AI capabilities to analyze rigger movements. If they have incorrect form, the system can flag it.

Computer Vision detecting good form from a rigger

Biometrics Tracking

The system can detect if improper form is used, preventing riggers from harming themselves

Data and Code on a computer

Data Collection

Common improper forms can be tracked, which could be helpful in future training and harm reduction. Speed data for each stage and the overall process could also be logged

Computer Vision detecting Bad form on a Rigger

Injury Prevention

With less injuries occurring among riggers, there's less dips in manpower. Thus allowing rigger's to have longer careers in parachute packing and more predictable mission readiness.

In the future, our system would also be capable of real-time error detection. It will continuously scan as the rigger works and could possibly leverage laser projections to determine if everything is packed correctly, If an error is made, the rigger will know right away, allowing them to learn from their mistakes. Our solution also improves efficiency—the error is caught more quickly compared to standard packing procedures, where an error would be caught during inspection.

This solution will reduced the risk of injury by catching bad form when it happens. Riggers can be taught the correct movement, which will keep them from hurting themselves. Healthy riggers take less time off for health-related problems, are more productive when they pack, and typically have longer careers as parachute packers.

We want to use our design to test a few distinct ideas. First, we want to see how riggers respond to detections of bad form and errors. Will they correct their posture? Will they trust that the system is correct? Gauging their reaction to being constantly monitored is also important. Finally, we want to see if the data collected is meaningful.

Automated Stowing Device.

Stowing can be a tedious task for riggers—they have to thread each bundle of lines through a loop one-by-one with a stow hook, twisting as they pull through. This can cause a variety of problems, from repetitive stress injuries on wrists, to wasting valuable time. Our new design automates the strenuous pulling part of the stowing process by pulling the lines through the deployment bag loops in a single action. All the rigger has to do is hook the line bundles up to the device.

This technology will reduce rigger injuries by minimizing wrist and shoulder strain caused by stowing the lines. It will also improve the accuracy and efficiency of the parachute packing process by mitigating human error. It will also shave minutes off of packing time, which adds up over the course of the day.

Our prototype will test several key concepts. First, how it performs can show us whether automating small, complex parts of the process is possible, Riggers' reponses to the technology will also reflect how they might feel about automation in the future.

Performance Dashboard.

We designed an internal-facing dashboard that shows a rigger's metrics, such as average time per pack, time for each stage, and injuries they have sustained. This improves rigger morale by showing them how far they have come and giving them a sense of achievement that extends beyond the repetitive grind of 15 parachute packs per day. Riggers can also compare each other's stats, fostering healthy competition, which is important in a rigger's work environment.

In addition, it acts as a display for all the data collected by the Smart Table and CV system. Individually, riggers can see where they need to improve, but it can give insights into wider trends in the parachute packing process as well.

A mockup of the dashboard that tracks rigger statistics

Our prototype will act as a temperature check for riggers and other people involved in the parachute packing process. Seeing rigger's reactions to their metrics and how it affects their morale, packing time, and behavior towards others will help determine if future implementations would be well-received.

Let's Test It.

With all of the various prototypes developed, it was time to refine them so we can properly test them with Riggers. Let's go on-site to Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia!

Soar over to Testing!
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