Abstract
The present paper conducts a comparative analysis of the operation of sugarcane harvesting machines in their original place of design (Australia) and in a recipient country of this technology (Brazil). The method comprised Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA) and the assumptions of anthropotechnology proposed by Wisner. The results achieved depict the similarities and differences between the two countries regarding: (a) the work organization and harvesting practices, (b) the harvesting strategies of the teams, and (c) the design modifications performed in the harvesting machines. The differences of how the machines were operated in both countries were identified, such as sloping grounds and amount of working hours, which lead to structural modifications in Brazilian machines. Thus, the design-in-use to adapt a technology to local conditions is crucial when there is inadequate technology transfer. The anthropotechnological approach proved to be relevant to understand all the broader factors causing difficulties in a technology transfer process. Key words: Sugar cane harvester, harvesting machine, design-in-use, work organization, ergonomics.
Highlights
Brazil is the world’s largest sugarcane producer and since 2007 the country has advanced towards fully mechanized harvesting
This study showed that there are three main differences between Australia and Brazil regarding sugarcane harvesting practices: work organization, harvesting strategies, and design modifications performed by the work teams
Based on the structural modifications applied to the Brazilian machines, it can be concluded that design-inuse is crucial for adapting a technology to local conditions
Summary
Brazil is the world’s largest sugarcane producer and since 2007 the country has advanced towards fully mechanized harvesting. Technology transfer is defined by Shahnavaz (2000), as the diffusion of new technical equipment, practices and know-how from one region to another It can provide opportunities for developing improvements in safety, operations, products and services. When a technology is produced, its characteristics take into account the needs and resources of the country, its user population and its operating environment. When this technology is transferred to another country, some adaptation is needed to fit the transferred technology to the recipient country, which may have different requirements and characteristics (Shahnavaz, 2000). If these adaptation changes are not performed, the recipient country may have problems such as high rates of accident and injuries, low productivity
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