BREAK-dancing robots developed by Worcester academics are being used in a bid to cut down on employee sick days.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has teamed up with University College Worcester to demonstrate lifting techniques at this week's Safety and Health Expo 2005 in Birmingham.

Robots, known as Robosapiens, have been programmed to pick up boxes in front of a screen, on which 3D human images of the same movements have been projected.

Project development manager John Hall said the aim was to show how different lifting techniques put various stresses and strains upon parts of the human body.

"Our scientists use the Robosapiens to show examples of correct and incorrect lifting and how motion analysis can improve manual handling techniques and lessen the likelihood of injury," he said.

"Any handling activity can be assessed, analysed, and if required, modified to minimise the potential for injury and reduce possible associated sickness costs."

It is estimated that 180 million working days are lost in the UK each year because of back problems.

"There's great interest in the many practical applications of research work being carried out by our scientists," said UCW principal, professor David Green.

"We are particularly concerned in helping people make the best possible recovery from injury, and better still, avoid injury in the first place."

To entertain visitors to the RoSPA stand at the National Exhibition Centre, the robot will also perform break-dancing routines between its manual handling duties.

The stand will be open throughout the Safety and Health Expo being held in Birmingham, today and tomorrow.