معرفی
Alexander Mertens serves as Associate Professor and Department Head of the Institute of Industrial Engineering within RWTH Aachen University's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, concurrently leading the Ergonomics and Human-Machine Systems group. His dual doctorates (Dr.-Ing. and Dr. rer. medic.) underpin his interdisciplinary approach bridging engineering and medical sciences.
His research centers on human-centered technology integration, with core interests in Ergonomics, Human-Machine Systems, and Virtual Reality applications. He investigates physiological workload monitoring, human-robot collaboration, and inclusive workplace design—particularly through AR/VR systems and sensor-based interventions for manufacturing and healthcare contexts. His work emphasizes translating biomechanical and psychosocial insights into practical solutions for worker safety and performance.
Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: human-robot collaboration in manufacturing (evident in VR-based robot assistance studies), physiological workload assessment (using pupillometry and multimodal signals), and workplace health innovation (addressing interruptions, musculoskeletal disorders, and aging populations). These threads consistently prioritize human factors in digital transformation across automotive, healthcare, and industrial domains.
Prof. Mertens directs the Ergonomics and Human-Machine Systems laboratory, driving initiatives like AixistenzRobotik (Aachen Competence Center for Interactive Robotics in Health/Care) and workHEALTH (holistic prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders). His team develops adaptive interfaces for inclusive factories and evaluates digital escape signage through age-differentiated studies, maintaining strong industry partnerships for real-world implementation.
