MOTEN Technologies

MOTEN Technologies, founded in 2018 by Maxime Projetti, is a French company focused on occupational health and data-driven ergonomics. The company's creation stems directly from Projetti's doctoral research in seismic exploration, where he adapted miniaturized accelerometers (MEMS) for a novel application: monitoring human muscle activity. This led to the development of a patented technology that "listens" to the vibrations produced by muscle contractions.

The core of MOTEN's offering is a wearable sensor system that utilizes mechanomyography (MMG) to objectively measure muscle effort, fatigue, and biomechanical risk factors. Unlike traditional electromyography (EMG), this technology is less sensitive to sensor placement and perspiration, making it more suitable for real-world workplace environments. The system typically includes multiple wearable sensors that work with a software platform and a custom dashboard, which uses AI to process data and provide key performance indicators on muscle strain. In early 2023, the company released an updated product that integrates both muscle activity and human motion measurement into a single sensor.

MOTEN operates on a B2B model, targeting industries where employees are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, and healthcare. Clients include prominent names like RATP (the Paris subway company), Bouygues Construction, Safran, and Lidl. The company generates revenue through a subscription-based service for its platform and by selling licenses for its solution, which includes the sensors and software. The business model is designed to empower clients to conduct their own measurements and analyses, moving from a consultant-led approach to a more autonomous, continuous monitoring model.

The company's services focus on two main use cases: objectively diagnosing the ergonomic impact of equipment like exoskeletons and analyzing workplace risks to prevent injuries. By providing quantitative data, MOTEN helps safety experts and ergonomists identify high-risk tasks, justify investments in preventive measures, and objectively evaluate the effectiveness of new tools or workplace designs. After its initial founding and incubation at Incuballiance Paris-Saclay, the company patented its technology in 2019, served around ten companies by 2020, and secured its first major commercial successes in 2021. A significant milestone was achieved in 2022 with a €1 million fundraising round from investors including Bpifrance and several business angel networks, aimed at developing their subscription offer and accelerating growth.

Keywords: mechanomyography, workplace ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorder prevention, wearable sensors, occupational health, biomechanics, physical risk assessment, industrial safety, fatigue monitoring, human factors, data-driven ergonomics, MEMS sensors, worker safety, physical workload analysis, ergonomic assessment, predictive risk models, industrial exoskeletons, logistics safety, construction technology, manufacturing safety, health and safety technology