Evaluation of holding handheld scanner on muscle activity, heart rate variability, and model accuracy in industrial applications

Abstract

PurposeThe capabilities of handheld scanners have been investigated previously in different applications, without considering its impact on the accuracy of model, heart rate variability (HRV), subjective measurements, and worker muscular activity. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of using two handheld scanners, elevation, and orientation of object that is scanned on the basis of aforementioned parameters. Design/methodology/approachTo achieve these objectives, electromyographic measurements of six muscles were obtained. Moreover, dependent variables include; NASA task load index (NASA-TLX) as a subjective measure, HRV, and accuracy of the model; while, the scanner-type (laser versus white light scanner), target orientation (0° versus 45°), and elevation (50 cm versus 80 cm table height) were the independent variables. FindingsThe results of the within-subject design indicated that a light scanner exhibited less accurate performance, lower cardiac cost, less subjective NASA-TLX, and less task execution time than the laser scanner. Originality/valueWhen using the laser scanner, to reduce muscle contraction and decrease the subjective NASA-TLX, the target elevation and orientation angle with respect to the horizontal plane must be 80 cm and 45°, respectively. However, when using the light scanner, to reduce muscle contraction and the subjective NASA-TLX, the target elevation and orientation angle with respect to the horizontal plane must be 50 cm and 0°, respectively. Furthermore, cardiac rhythms were less stressed when using the laser scanner at a 50 cm target elevation and light scanner at an 80 cm target elevation.