Experimental study of the stress level at the workplace using an smart testbed of wireless sensor networks and ambient intelligence techniques

Abstract

This paper combines techniques of ambient intelligence and wireless sensor networks with the objective of obtain important conclusions to increase the quality of life of people. In particular, we oriented our study to the stress at the workplace, because stress is a leading cause of illness and disease. This article presents a wireless sensor network obtaining information of the environment, a pulse sensor obtaining hear rate values and a complete data analysis applying techniques of ambient intelligence to predict stress from these environment variables and people attributes. Results show promise on the identification of stressful situations as well as stress inference through the use of predictive algorithms. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.