Logistics Workers Research Articles

Upper limb power-assist wearable robot for handling repetitive medium- to low-weight loads in daily logistics tasks

In this study, we developed an upper-limb power-assisted wearable robot designed to reduce the burden of handling repetitive medium- to low-weight loads for daily logistics workers, thereby enhancing their work efficiency and overall safety. This study proposes a practical wearable robot with a well-designed structure for effectively supporting pick-and-place tasks at waist-to-shoulder height by applying a vertical force directly to the wearer’s wrist. The proposed robot features two active joints that are minimal for vertical assistance, resulting in a lightweight and compact structure. It offers six degrees of freedom per arm, including four passive joints, allowing free end-effector movement. Designed to connect only to the wearer’s wrist, the robot’s linkage is positioned along the wearer’s arm, not requiring alignment with the human–robot joint center, making it easy to wear and having a simple structure. This paper presents a method for calculating the joint torque that accounts for the deformation of the robot’s lightweight and slim links. This approach enhances the gravity compensation accuracy, and the proposed method demonstrates a lower RMS error compared to calculations based on the statics of the rigid link model. Experimental results demonstrated that the robot allowed for a wide range of motion and consistently applied an assistive force of 2 kgf per arm, facilitating the handling of objects weighing several kilograms.

In-Field Training of a Passive Back Exoskeleton Changes the Biomechanics of Logistic Workers

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Occupational exoskeletons receive rising interest in industry as these devices diminish the biomechanical load during manual materials handling. Still, we have limited knowledge when it comes to in-field use. This gap often contributes to failure in the implementation of exoskeleton in industry. In this study, we investigated how a training protocol consisting of in-field use of a passive back exoskeleton affected the biomechanics of logistic workers. More specifically, we focused on how the variation of the muscular and kinematic patterns of the user was altered after exoskeleton training. We found that training had a positive effect on exoskeleton use, as a relative decrease of 6–9% in peak back muscle activity was observed post-training. Additionally, training decreased knee flexion by 6°–16°, indicating a more stoop lifting technique. The findings point at the potential benefits of applying a training approach when implementing a back-supporting exoskeleton in logistics.

Examining Factors Influencing the Integration of Blockchain Technology in the Freight Logistics Sector of Pakistan

This study examines the blockchain usage of Pakistan's freight logistics industry. A structural equation model is used to explore latent dimensions such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and behavioral intention. To understand the specific factors impacting technology adoption decisions in this geographical and industrial location, a diverse sample of 245 Pakistan goods logistics sector operators will be explored. The findings reveal that perceived ease of use influences logistics professionals' behavioral intentions. The significance of clever and user-friendly interfaces emphasizes technology experiences that satisfy the expectations of Pakistani goods logistics workers. However, the perceived utility has a complicated relationship with behavioral intention, emphasizing the need for targeted actions to boost the perceived value of Blockchain technology in Pakistan's logistics business. Subjective norm is a major predictor of behavioral intention. This demonstrates how social and cultural factors influence Pakistani logistics workers' ambitions to use Blockchain. The correlation matrix and covariance analysis demonstrate that there are significant positive relationships between attitude, behavioral intention, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and subjective norm. This detailed examination of the adoption environment offers practitioners, policymakers, and academics context-specific insights, setting the framework for informed freight logistics technology adoption and innovation activities in Pakistan.

Examining Factors Influencing the Integration of Blockchain Technology in the Freight Logistics Sector of Pakistan

This study examines the blockchain usage of Pakistan's freight logistics industry. A structural equation model is used to explore latent dimensions such as perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and behavioral intention. To understand the specific factors impacting technology adoption decisions in this geographical and industrial location, a diverse sample of 245 Pakistan goods logistics sector operators will be explored. The findings reveal that perceived ease of use influences logistics professionals' behavioral intentions. The significance of clever and user-friendly interfaces emphasizes technology experiences that satisfy the expectations of Pakistani goods logistics workers. However, the perceived utility has a complicated relationship with behavioral intention, emphasizing the need for targeted actions to boost the perceived value of Blockchain technology in Pakistan's logistics business. Subjective norm is a major predictor of behavioral intention. This demonstrates how social and cultural factors influence Pakistani logistics workers' ambitions to use Blockchain. The correlation matrix and covariance analysis demonstrate that there are significant positive relationships between attitude, behavioral intention, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and subjective norm. This detailed examination of the adoption environment offers practitioners, policymakers, and academics context-specific insights, setting the framework for informed freight logistics technology adoption and innovation activities in Pakistan.

물류기업 종사자의 셀프리더십이 SCM성과에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

Purpose: The relationships among self-leadership, service orientation, organizational fairness, and SCM performance are investigated by conducting a study with workers at domestic logistics companies.
 Research design, data, and methodology: This research analyzes the relationships among the above variables based on 170 pieces of data. Validity was tested with confirmatory factor analysis, Path analysis of the hypothesis confirmed there is no problem with model fit because the criteria were met or similar values were shown.
 Results: The main results of this study show the importance of improving self-leadership in research focusing on service orientation and organizational fairness in SCM performance for logistics company workers.
 Conclusions: This study provides academic and practical implications by examining the effects of workers' SCM performance, self-leadership and service orientation, organizational fairness, and their effects on each other through empirical analysis focusing on the logistics industry. Service orientation and organizational fairness should be increased to improve SCM performance, and self-leadership of organizational members has a positive effect on service orientation and organizational fairness for logistics workers.

A crowdsourcing logistics solution based on digital twin and four-party evolutionary game

With the development of mobile Internet and the popularity of public online consumption, the scale expansion of the e-commerce industry has driven the continuous growth of logistics business, but the increase in order volume has brought pressure and challenges to the end of logistics and distribution, and the emergence of crowdsourcing logistics It provides a new path for alleviating the current logistics and transportation dilemma. The Digital Twin (DT) can virtualize and learn the data of the physical space, and introduce DT into the crowdsourcing logistics. It can iteratively update the crowdsourcing logistics participant strategy by constructing a virtual space, so as to change the corresponding strategy in time. Considering the situation of crowdsourcing logistics workers signing contracts with platforms and colluding with platforms, this paper constructs a four-party evolutionary game model of temporary workers, contract workers, blockchain-based crowdsourcing platforms and task requester, and analyzes the evolution using replication dynamics method stabilization strategy. In the virtual scene of DT, multi-agent reinforcement learning is used to predict the evolution result of the current strategy, and a reward and punishment strategy is given to prevent workers from free-riding and platform false reporting. The simulation results show that the analyzed evolutionary stability strategy can make the crowdsourcing logistics system run continuously and healthily, and the participants can adjust the strategy correctly according to the prediction results of virtual crowdsourcing logistics.

Analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among automobile manufacturing logistics workers in Guangzhou

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou, and explore their potential categories and influencing factors, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises. Methods: From April to May 2020, a convenient sampling method was adopted to select 1442 logistics workers in 2 automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou as the research objects. The incidence of WMSDs among them was investigated by using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and the incidence pattern of WMSDs among the subjects was analyzed by the method of potential category analysis. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of the disease. Results: The total prevalence of WMSDs was 42.9% (619/1442). The three parts with high prevalence of WMSDs were neck (23.5%, 339/1442), shoulder (21.3%, 307/1442) and lower back (19.1%, 275/1442). 69.0% (427/619) of the patients showed simultaneous disease in two or more sites. The subjects were divided into four latent groups by the analysis of latent categories: the group with multiple body parts (4.51%), the group with very low or no disease (70.39%), the group with shoulder and neck and upper back (11.37%), and the group with limbs and lower back (13.73%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that compared with the "very low or no disease group", the risk factors of multiple body parts of automotive logistics workers suffering from WMSDs mainly included: Working posture uncomfortable (OR=3.10, 95%CI: 1.44~6.70, P=0.004), often bend and turn (OR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.05~5.29, P=0.037), bend your knees homework for a long time (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.17~4.47, P=0.015) ; Working posture uncomfortable (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.51~3.38, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.03~2.74, P=0.036), neck minister time keep the same position (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.22~2.67, P= 0.003) It is a risk factor for shoulder, neck and upper back WMSDs; Risk factors for limb-lower back WMSDs include: Length > 10 years (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.24~3.78, P<0.001), the working position uncomfortable (OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.63~3.48, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.03~2.68, P=0.039) . Conclusion: The prevalence rate of WMSDs among logistics workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises is high, which has obvious characteristics of classification and comorbis, and is closely related to individual characteristics such as sufficient rest time and working posture of workers.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the automobile manufacturing industry in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have become one of the major occupational health problems. Lots of auto workers in China are exposed to WMSDs. However, there are few systematic review and meta-analysis about WMSDs in this field. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of WMSDs among these workers.MethodsThis study was carried out using the Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses method under the most up to date PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted for studies on the epidemiology of WMSDs among auto workers in China from inception to August 2022, using English and Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine Disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science). All statistical analyses were performed using STATA V.16.0.ResultsOut of the 849 references identified, 26 articles were were eligible for inclusion, of which 12 reported the overall 12-month prevalence of WMSDs, while 14 stated the 12-month prevalence of WMSDs on body regions. The overall 12-month prevalence rate of WMSDs among workers was 53.1% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 46.3% to 59.9%]. The lower back/waist was the body region affected most (36.5%, 95%CI = 28.5% to 44.5%). The definition on WMSDs of “Chinese version” resulted in a high prevalence of WMSDs. Obesity, high educational level, long job tenure, female, logistic workers, and foundry workers are factors that led to a high prevalence rate of WMSDs in the lower back/waist.ConclusionsThis study showed a high prevalence rate of WMSDs among auto workers in China. Thus, it is necessary to pay particular stress to them. Several effective measures should be taken to prevent these workers from WMSDs.Trial registrationThis review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023467152).

Logistics reform on alleviating acute stress disorder under management psychology in college

BackgroundIn higher education institutions, logistics workers often face high-pressure and multitasking work environments, which may lead to acute stress disorder. This study explores the effectiveness of reforming logistics management methods in universities in alleviating acute stress disorder among employees from the perspective of management psychology.Subjects and MethodsFour higher education institutions were selected, with 50 logistics staff randomly selected from each school, totaling 200. Using a randomized controlled trial method, the employees were evenly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group adopted a new logistics management method based on management psychology for one year. The control group maintained its original management mode. The psychological status of all employees was evaluated before and after the reform using the Acute Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (ASDS).ResultsAfter implementing the new management method, the ASDS score of the experimental group significantly decreased (P&lt;0.01), and the difference was significant compared to the control group. In addition, the employees in the experimental group also scored higher in terms of job satisfaction, teamwork, and work efficiency.ConclusionsUnder the guidance of management psychology, the reform of logistics management methods in universities significantly alleviates the acute stress disorder of logistics workers. It is recommended that more higher education institutions adopt this new management approach to improve employees’ mental health and work efficiency.

Аналіз логістичних витрат підприємства

The article examines the problems of the operation of the enterprise's logistics system, which are relevant and require immediate resolution by optimizing logistics costs and improving the operation of this system as a whole. The connection between the optimization of logistics costs and the strengthening of the company's competitive advantages due to the successful selection of contractors, optimal product distribution channels, modeling of logistics systems and chains, and the creation of conditions for resource conservation is substantiated. The quality of logistics processes is reflected in the effective indicators of the transport company's activity, as costs aimed at the use of labor, means and labor items are minimized.&#x0D; The logistics system of a modern company is increasingly becoming the subject of scientific research and development as a key form of automation, integration, optimization and management of material resources and information flows circulating in business units. The issue of optimization of logistics costs of production enterprises is characterized by incompleteness and requires further scientific research.&#x0D; The quality of logistics processes is reflected in the effective indicators of the enterprise's activity due to the minimization of costs for the use of labor, funds and labor items. The main types of logistics costs were analyzed in the article. And also the need to determine the presence of hidden types of logistics costs was noted. It was outlined that the complexity of determining logistics costs is caused by the influence of internal and external environmental factors. Changes in the structure of logistics costs were analyzed based on the data of the investigated enterprise. The impact of labor costs on logistics workers of the selected enterprise was considered and the dynamics of costs associated with the provision of logistics services on the total amount of logistics costs was analyzed. It was determined that the relationship between the total logistics costs and the set of their factor characteristics is a close direct one. Correlation-regression analysis to identify influencing factors on the behavior of logistics costs of the analyzed enterprise was performed.&#x0D; It was substantiated that the definition of factors and their influence on logistics costs make it possible to influence the costs of the enterprise and ensure the attractiveness of the product for consumers. The influence of logistics levers on the profitability of the enterprise was schematically displayed. The indicators of logistics cost management assessment, which provide an opportunity to form a qualitative description of the state of the enterprise's logistics system, were given in the article.

Biomechanical changes, acceptance, and usability of a passive shoulder exoskeleton in manual material handling. A field study

Occupational exoskeletons contribute to diminish the biomechanical load during manual work. However, familiarization to the use of exoskeletons is rarely considered, which may lead to failure of acceptance and implementation. In this study, ten logistic workers underwent a 5-week progressive familiarization to a passive shoulder exoskeleton, while ten workers acted as controls. Tests pre and post the familiarization applied measurements of muscle activity and kinematics of back, neck, and shoulder, perceived effort, and usability-ratings of the exoskeleton. Exoskeleton use resulted in lower muscle activity of anterior deltoid (13–39%) and upper trapezius (16–60%) and reduced perceived effort. Additionally, it induced an offset in shoulder flexion and abduction during resting position (8–10°). No conclusions on familiarization could be drawn due to low adherence to the protocol. However, the emotions of the workers towards using the exoskeleton decreased making it questionable whether the shoulder exoskeleton is suitable for use in the logistics sector.

Perspectives of managers and workers on the implementation of automated-guided vehicles (AGVs)—a quantitative survey

Automated-guided vehicles (AGVs) are considered as an advanced technology for improving intralogistics in manufacturing companies. However, diverging perspectives between management and operational staff on the implementation of AGVs in existing production environments can lead to a lack of employee acceptance and highlight the need for appropriate organizational change management initiatives. At present, there is a lack of knowledge about the success factors for deploying AGVs in manufacturing companies, including human factors such as worker acceptance. We therefore conducted a quantitative survey among production and logistics workers, project leaders, and managers (n = 89) in ten German companies that have already introduced AGVs in their production in order to investigate and compare their perspectives and to derive implications for successful AGV implementation projects. Our findings reveal that workers consider some of the most important acceptance factors as insignificantly addressed by the project management. In addition, we found significant differences in the perspectives of logistics and production workers on the implementation of AGVs, with logistics workers being less satisfied and significantly more concerned about job security. Furthermore, project leaders’ ability to accurately anticipate their employees’ perspective (perspective taking accuracy) positively influences employees’ satisfaction with the implementation of the AGV system. These findings have theoretical implications for research on organizational change and practical implications for AGV implementation projects.

Toxic inhalation of sodium metabisulphite by-products from a shipping container.

Logistics workers who handle cargo containers are at risk of toxic inhalation injuries, although prevalence and severities of these injuries are not well characterized. We report on a previously healthy 37-year-old supervisor who was acutely exposed to sodium metabisulphite and its thermal degradation by-products during a routine inspection of a shipping container. The employee developed chemical pneumonitis with acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and subsequent severe reactive airway dysfunction syndrome.

Identification and Evaluation of Logistics Operational Risk Using the Fmea Method at PT. XZY

The purpose of this study is to identify risks to operational factors in PT. XZY identifies and formulates existing handlers in PT. XZY related to risks to work operations. This study used the FMEA method. FMEA is a method used to perform analysis inductively, carried out repeatedly and systematically so that the process can be documented. Data was obtained using direct observation and interviews with logistics workers. Based on the results of problem identification and fmea calculation results, 19 operational risks were obtained in the logistics department of PT. XZY and varying RPN values, with the smallest value being 12 and the largest value being 729. Thus, it is concluded that the 3 highest risks in operations that can hinder work activities are limited product storage, improper placement of spare parts, and input errors in the system

Coercion, Consent, and Class Consciousness: How Workers Respond to Amazon’s Production Regime

Although the “logistics revolution” has powerfully transformed contemporary capitalism, little is known about how logistics workers view such changes. To address this gap, the authors explore how Amazon’s labor practices shape workers’ orientations toward their jobs and class positions. Using a mixture of in-depth interviews and survey data, the authors find that Amazon’s production regime has contradictory effects on workers’ orientations. Digital surveillance augments managerial coercion, fostering an alienated relation toward work and a heightened sense of exploitation. Yet the company’s ability to hire precariously situated workers supplies it with workers who clearly consent to such labor practices. These results underscore the duality of managerial regimes among warehouse workers and begin to explain the ordeal of union formation, as workers adopt sharply distinct views of the working conditions they confront.

What drives horizontal logistics collaboration? A grounded theory analysis of Chinese logistics service providers.

Horizontal logistics collaboration is characterized by the highly professional cooperation of logistics service providers at the same level of the supply chain, which is an effective way to optimize the development and sustainability of modern logistics. Conducting a coding analysis of data from 41 in-depth interviews, this study constructs a theoretical framework of the driving force of horizontal logistics collaboration among Chinese logistics service providers to synchronously improve service, market, efficiency, and emergency competitiveness through cooperation with peer competitors to enhance sustainable comprehensive competitiveness. The four driving forces encourage logistics service providers to adjust their thoughts in the planning stage, change their behavior in the implementation stage, and transform their strategy in the evaluation stage. The results also indicate differences between China and other countries in the driving force, effective utilization of logistics workers, cross-institutional collaboration of state-owned enterprises, and integration of artificial intelligence technology. Finally, we propose relevant recommendations for managers.

EXOSKELETONS - ROBOTIC SUITS IMPROVING WORK IN LOGISTICS

Logistics, in the future, will be a decisive factor in the competitive struggle between organizations, economic regions and countries for value creation. The level of competence in logistics primarily determines success in this struggle. For modern companies, supply, production and distribution issues are becoming more and more relevant. It is possible to improve this process by strengthening logistic integration and coordinated interaction with external partners and between different departments within the company. Today, with the high development of technologies, it has become possible to automate not only production processes but also the movements of a person who, for one reason or another, cannot perform usual functions, in particular, to restore or replace partially or completely human limbs. This article deals with the issue of reducing logistics workers' workload. We are talking about the development of a robotic platform, namely exoskeletons, which are designed to supplement lost functions, increase human muscle strength and expand their physical capabilities, which will significantly increase the degree of worker efficiency. This article aims to optimize and facilitate workers' work by explaining the use of exoskeletons in supply and distribution logistics.

디지털 전환 기술에 대한 수용저항과 개인적·사회적 수용에 영향을 미치는 요인 : 항만물류 종사자를 중심으로

This study was conducted to find out whether port logistics workers acceptance and acceptance resistance of digital transformation technologies such as e-platform, big data, Internet of Things, block chain, artificial intelligence, autonomous vessels, and cyber security technologies. This researcher empirically studied how acceptance resistance, the attitude of consumers not to accept digital transformation technology, affects personal acceptance and social acceptance using the innovation diffusion theory, extended theory of planned behavior, and innovation resistance theory. As a result of the empirical analysis, it was found that variables such as self-efficacy, involvement, complexity, and technological innovation had a negative effect on acceptance resistance. Acceptance resistance was also found to have a negative effect on personal and social acceptance of digital transformation technology. When the behavioral characteristics and innovation characteristics factors recognized by port logistics workers for digital Transformation technology affect acceptance, acceptance resistance, which plays a mediating role, was able to confirm the mediating effect in other factors except the relative advantage. The results of this study are expected to provide a basis for promoting the success of digital transformation in the field of port logistics through resistance management by presenting resistance factors that occur in the process of accepting digital transformation technology by port logistics workers.

Prospects for the development of the logistics system and its structural elements

The purpose of the study is to carry out a critical analysis of the elements of the logistics system of a modern enterprise, identify their functional characteristics and connections, and develop proposals for the stages of forming an improved model of the logistics system. The article highlights the issues related to the specifics of the formation of an effective logistics system of the enterprise by its constituent elements. It has been proven that the modern design of the logistics system should have not only traditional, but also innovative elements for high-quality performance of logistics functions. On the basis of the conducted analysis, the use of the graphic method and generalization, the relevant structural elements of the logistics system were identified. The role of the stimulating function of management in the matter of encouraging logistics workers to perform their duties in a high-quality manner is defined. In this context, the experience of Poland is given as an example. Comparing the salary level of employees at different levels of procurement and logistics departments, identifying the advantages of their functional powers and status made it possible to develop directions for improving internal and external relations to ensure mutual positive influence and achieve the effect of synergy. Taking this into account, a scheme of stages of the formation of an improved logistics system has been developed. Based on the results of the analysis, a conclusion was made regarding the expediency of using traditional and innovative logistics tools, as well as modern dominants associated with the use of technical achievements. The application of the author's proposals will make it possible to form a high-quality logistics system of a modern enterprise on a practical level. This will ultimately have a positive effect on the management of logistics processes and ensure better efficiency and effectiveness of the enterprise.

Elements of Food Product Safety and its Relationship with the Concept of Preserving Life in Maqasid Shariah

The safety of food products is an important factor in preserving consumers' lives. Preserving life is one of the main concepts in achieving the objectives of legal legislation, which is referred to as maqasid shariah. This study focuses on implementing the concept of maqasid shariah, preserving life through the safety of food products to maintain the body and ensure human health, starting from preparing raw materials until the product is ready to eat. This study aims to refine the safety elements of food products and their relationship with the concept of preserving life in the maqasid shariah. Several elements of food product safety were found to be related to the concept of preserving life in the maqasid shariah, namely: (a) material elements in production (buildings and premises, manufacturing and logistics workers, raw materials and ingredients, and equipment and fittings); and (b) elements of the production process (product manufacturing, product packaging, product storage, and product logistics). In conclusion, this study suggests that the concept of preserving life in the maqasid shariah can be applied to the food manufacturing chain process through the food product safety elements identified. A field study approach using primary data as the main data is recommended for future studies to obtain a realistic picture of the implementation of the maqasid shariah in food product safety.