Ergonomics Perspective Research Articles

A Queuing Model Based Rapid Evaluation Method for Automotive Control Design

This paper evaluates the ergonomics performance of automotive driving systems through a new computational model, aiming to enhance vehicle control design more cost-effectively than traditional experimental human factors research in the automotive field. Parameters such as spatial coordinates and control dimensions were measured for different driver interaction controls (e.g., hazard light switches, steering wheel buttons) across three typical passenger vehicles. These parameters were integrated into the QN-MHP-U to simulate driver operational behaviors and predict task performance. A computational method was introduced to assess the ergonomic scores of automotive control designs based on the modeling results. The QN-MHP-U provides a systematic and universally applicable solution for evaluating and comparing vehicle control designs within automotive driving systems. This allows automotive designers to assess and improve vehicle control designs from an ergonomic perspective more efficiently in terms of time and economic costs.

Digital technologies and resilient performance in socio-technical systems: A human factors and ergonomics perspective

Digital technologies and resilient performance in socio-technical systems: A human factors and ergonomics perspective

Design Issues and Solutions for Improving the Comfort of Neo-Ming Style Chair

This paper explores the design issues and solutions for improving the comfort of new Ming-style chairs. It first analyzes the historical origins, traditional aesthetics, and modern users' new demands for comfort in these chairs. Then, it highlights the comfort-related challenges in terms of chair form, materials, structure, and usage scenarios. The study proposes design principles from the perspectives of ergonomics, material innovation, structural optimization, and modern usage scenarios. Specific strategies to enhance comfort are provided, such as optimizing the angle between the chair back and chair surface, improving cushion materials, optimizing the chair's supporting structure, and incorporating intelligent design. This paper also discusses the challenges of integrating technology with traditional design, the application of eco-friendly materials, and the diverse demands of consumer groups. Finally, it summarizes the future trends and challenges in the comfort-focused design of Neo-Ming style chair.

SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: LEAN ERGONOMICS ANALYSIS IN SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) MANUFACTURING SECTOR

Ergonomics has emerged as a significant workplace issue, negatively impacting finances due to worker absence and reduced productivity. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are particularly prone to occupational accidents, contributing to over 80% of such incidents. This review delves into the perspective of lean ergonomics within SMEs. The study followed a structured review protocol,formulating research questions and systematically searching the Scopus and WoS databases. The findings reveal several key points: (1) SMEs commonly implement ergonomics principles addressing awkward postures, repetitive movements, manual material handling, hand-wrist postures, excessive reach, grip strength, and prolonged standing; (2) Lean principles such as SMED, 5S, standardized work,TPM, VSM, and kanban positively impact ergonomics; (3) Various ergonomics assessment methods, including REBA, RULA, HFE, JSI, KIM, OCRA, and Shoaf’s model, are recommended for future research and practical application; (4) Ergonomics can underpin lean transformation efforts, with Lean Manufacturing (LM) contributing to reduced ergonomics risks. However, the review identified alimitation in the scope of databases used (WoS and Scopus), suggesting that expanding the range of databases and research keywords could improve future article searches. The study's primary focus serves as a reference point for future researchers and manufacturers interested in lean ergonomics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to enhance worker safety and productivity through ergonomic and lean practices.

Investigating the effect of participatory management with a macro-ergonomics approach on organizational productivity through the mediating variable employee empowerment and participation )case study: General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Trainin

Introduction: By directly affecting the environment and creating employee satisfaction, ergonomics creates quality products or services, organizational productivity, and customer satisfaction. Participation is a kind of participation and involvement in decision-making, planning, and implementation. The present research was conducted to evaluate and measure the impact of collaborative management with macro ergonomics on organizational productivity through the mediating variable of employee empowerment and participation in the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Training of Fars province. Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive survey type. To carry out this research, 208 employees of the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Training of Fars province were selected in 1402 by a simple sampling method based on the Karjesi and Morgan formula. Four standard questionnaires of participatory management, employee empowerment, organizational productivity, and employee participation were used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaires was investigated using Cronbach's alpha, and the content validity ratio (CVR) was used for the validity of the questionnaires. The effect of participatory management with macro ergonomics on organizational productivity was evaluated using the paired t-test. Also, SPSS and AMOS statistical software were used for data analysis. Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the standard questionnaire of participatory management, employee empowerment, organizational productivity, and employee participation was 0.803, 0.755, 0.790, and 0.946, respectively, and the CVR value of the questionnaires was calculated 1, 0.99, 1 and 1 respectively. And therefore the validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed. This research showed that participatory management has a positive and significant effect on the empowerment of employees from the perspective of macro ergonomics and productivity (p=0.034). The positive impact of empowering employees on the organization's productivity was confirmed with the perspective of macro ergonomics and employee participation (p=0.041) Finally, the mediating role of employee empowerment and employee participation on organizational productivity was confirmed (p=0.031). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the application of macro ergonomics leads to an increase in the acceptance power of employees and commitment to changes, and provides the most suitable help to improve their safety, satisfaction, and productivity.

An Applied Approach to Cognitive Ergonomics in Restaurant Design

Through theoretical frameworks and applications of cognitive ergonomics, this article illustrates, with practical examples, the role of designing restaurants from the perspective of cognitive ergonomics concerning the process of perception and sensory stimuli. The goal is intended to promote well-being and differentiation in a saturated and competitive market by optimizing the interaction between patrons and their environments with a focus on perceived comfort and quality. This paper examines the application of selected universal principles of design and environmental psychology that affect how people might respond to spatial qualities and designs in the dining experience. Central to the integration of these concepts is designing for well-being which increases patron satisfaction and supports positive mental and emotional effects.

A study of informal learning spaces in university student residences based on ergonomics

Student residences are the main place of informal learning for students, extending the function of structured formal learning spaces. Instead of presenting a monotonous and mechanical atmosphere, these informal learning spaces should create a comfortable and relaxing environment. The design of informal learning spaces in student flats is directly related to students' learning efficiency and physical and mental health. Most of the existing studies have examined and researched the informal learning space or ergonomics from a single point of view, but few scholars have considered the design of informal learning space in college student apartments from the perspective of ergonomics. Therefore, this paper firstly defines the connotation of informal learning space in college student flats, then analyses the human-machine-environment system of informal learning space in college student apartments based on human-computer science, and finally puts forward suggestions for the design of informal learning space in college student apartments.

Development and performance evaluation of an electric cabbage harvester with a precise cabbage pushing mechanism

The manual method of harvesting cabbages is common in many Asian countries, which creates a lot of biomechanical problems among farmers. The existing commercial cabbage harvesters being bigger in size are not suitable for small landholdings. To address this, a three-wheeled walk-behind type electric cabbage harvester with a precise cabbage pushing mechanism was developed. It comprised a cutting unit, pushing unit, conveying unit, propelling unit, storage bin and handle. Based on the results obtained from laboratory tests, the cutting speed, forward speed and cutting position of cabbage stem from cabbage head was chosen as 590 rpm, 0.25 m/s and 0.1 cm. For pushing the cut cabbages precisely, a YOLOv8 custom cabbage detection model (mean average precision of 0.938) was developed and deployed in Nvidia Jetson Nano that could detect the cabbages and actuated a pusher via Arduino microcontroller and motor driver to push the cut cabbages to the conveyor belt. In the power supply unit of the harvester, 48 V 12 Ah, 12 V 7 Ah, and 24 V 18 Ah batteries were used for powering the motors for cutting, pushing, and propelling and conveying, respectively. The harvester was tested in a polyhouse for three Indian cabbage varieties. The maximum instantaneous power consumption (IPC) was measured as 948.53 W. Hand vibration and noise at operators’ ear level were 2.098 m/s2 and 78 dB(A), respectively, which confirmed its safety from an ergonomic perspective. The harvester achieved a maximum cutting efficiency of 77.5 % and a minimum damage rate of 7.5 % during polyhouse testing.

Analysis and Assessment of Passenger Comfort Level in Sustainable Public Bus Transportation System

Passenger comfort and safety is one of the main factors in making the experience of using public transportation more comfortable and attractive to passengers. This study aims to assess facility design factors such as seats and handrails that are related to ergonomics, in addition to design factors, namely safety factors by identifying and minimizing hazards that can occur to passengers and procedures that need to be carried out in the event of an accident. To assess the comfort of passengers on the bus, it was measured using the Rapid whole-body assessment (REBA) guidelines, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and anthropometry to accurately measure body posture, as well as Quality Function Deployment (QFD). As the result, the new handle and passenger seat were proposed to comply with the ergonomic perspective. How much level of Customer satisfaction increase, can be seen in the result of this research. From using REBA Method there’s a change of score in value from before using our design customer posture got 4 for body posture evaluation score, and after using our design costumer posture score got 3 for body posture evaluation score. From using RULA method there’s a change of score in value from before using our design customer posture got 4 for body posture evaluation score, and after using our design costumer posture score got 2 for body posture evaluation score. It is concluded that the new design work and proof the new design was comply with ergonomic aspect. With this research, it will be beneficial for the sustainability of consumer comfort in Transjakarta public transportation. Because with the realization of the results of this research, improvements in Transjakarta public transportation facilities to support consumer comfort can be achieved and increase customer satisfaction.

Analysis of KangDuo-SR-1500 and KangDuo-SR-2000 robotic partial nephrectomy from an operative and ergonomic perspective: a prospective controlled study in porcine models.

The objective of this study is to explore the safety and effectiveness of two new models of KangDuo surgical robots for partial nephrectomy in porcine models, and evaluate the ergonomic characteristics from both subjective and objective perspectives. Twelve porcine models were equally divided for KD-SR-1500 (three-arm) and KD-SR-2000 (four-arm). The perioperative outcomes, and physical and mental workload of the surgeon were compared. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with NASA-TLX. All surgeries were performed successfully. There were no differences in perioperative variables (p > 0.05). There were no perioperative complications. The mental workload in both groups was at a low level. KD-SR-2000 showed advantages in physical workload (p < 0.01). KD-SR-1500 and KD-SR-2000 are technically feasible, valid, and safe for RAPN in porcine models. KD-SR-2000 had ergonomic advantages over KD-SR-1500.

Safety Risk Assessment of an Autonomous Agricultural Machine

Highlights The safety guidelines outlined in ISO 18497 are not sufficient to guarantee the safe operation of autonomous agricultural machines. Since the risk assessment techniques specified in ISO 12100:2012 require historical failure data of the machine at hand, they cannot be used to effectively mitigate the risk associated with autonomous agricultural machines where such data are not readily available. Analysis from the perspective of ergonomics can potentially increase the safety of autonomous agricultural machines. Abstract. The goal of this study was to analyze the safety implications of an autonomous agricultural machine (TerraPreta) using the standards ISO 18497 (ISO, 2018) and ISO 12100:2012 (ISO, 2012), as well as to investigate the ergonomics associated with the use of the autonomous agricultural machine. First, three engineers involved in the robot's manufacturing process were asked to evaluate the robot's functionalities compliance with the applicable safety standards and protective measures outlined in standard ISO 18497 (ISO, 2018). Second, while the robot was planting cover crop seeds, an attempt was made to identify and evaluate every risk connected to the robot using the risk assessment techniques outlined in ISO 12100:2012 (ISO, 2012). (1) Half (50%) of the functionalities of the autonomous agricultural machine complied with the safety requirements and protective measures described within the standard ISO 18497 (ISO, 2018). (2) The heavy reliance on past incident data of the risk assessment procedure described within the standard ISO 12100:2012 (ISO, 2012) makes it ineffective for new and revolutionary technologies such as autonomous agricultural machines where such data are not available. (3) Lifting a bag to fill the robot hopper with seeds was found to be a moderately hazardous activity associated with human-robot interaction. Multiple tentative solutions were provided to avoid this moderately hazardous activity. Keywords: Autonomous agricultural machine, Ergonomics, Machine safety, NIOSH lifting equation, Risk assessment, Standards.

Human work in the shift to Industry 4.0: a road map to the management of technological changes in manufacturing

The fourth industrial revolution tempts manufacturing companies to transform into smart factories, which in turn affects the human work. We examine this complexity from the perspective of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) by analysing the organisational capabilities needed when seeking and selecting new technology solutions, and designing and implementing them into local application. This qualitative study focuses on manufacturing companies that have pioneered adopting high technologies in their processes. Empirical material was collected from 15 Finnish manufacturing companies of different sizes. Particular attention is paid to how HF/E are present when companies (1) sense new opportunities for technological development of their production, (2) seise these opportunities through design actions, and (3) shift the solutions into use. Analyses revealed that companies, regardless of their size and the technology being implemented, do not fully understand the fundamentals and value of HF/E, resulting in technology and production-oriented solutions in which human skills and capabilities are often neglected. A novel road map is proposed for integrating HF/E expertise and knowledge when seeking, selecting, and utilising new production technologies. This study increases understanding of the role of HF/E when adopting new technologies in manufacturing. The road map improves possibilities for fact-based decision-making.

The Impact Working Environment on Health Problem among E-Hailing Drivers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from Ergonomic Perspective during Pandemic COVID-19

The Impact Working Environment on Health Problem among E-Hailing Drivers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from Ergonomic Perspective during Pandemic COVID-19

Health Issue: Excessive Smartphone Usage among Students in Public University in Selangor, Malaysia from an Ergonomic Perspective

Health Issue: Excessive Smartphone Usage among Students in Public University in Selangor, Malaysia from an Ergonomic Perspective

Responsible use of AI in military systems: prospects and challenges

Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds great potential for the military domain but is also seen as prone to data bias and lacking transparency and explainability. In order to advance the trustworthiness of AI-enabled systems, a dynamic approach to the development, deployment and use of AI systems is required. This approach, when incorporating ethical principles such as lawfulness, traceability, reliability and bias mitigation, is called ‘Responsible AI’. This article describes the challenges of using AI responsibly in the military domain from a human factors and ergonomics perspective. Many of the ironies of automation originally described by Bainbridge still apply in the field of AI, but there are also some unique challenges and requirements that need to be considered, such as a larger emphasis on ethical risk analyses and validation and verification up-front, as well as moral situation awareness during deployment and use of AI in military systems.

Ergonomic comparison of different incontinence products and effects on time and physical demands on carers.

Caregivers are at a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Efficiency in handling and changing patients' absorbent incontinence products may reduce the burden of caring. This study aimed to compare various types of absorbent incontinence products from an ergonomic perspective and assess the length of time required for handling these products and the physical demand on caregivers' backs, hands and fingers. A within-subject design was selected for two studies involving 64 experienced nurses. The first study was conducted at a test centre in Germany, while the second was performed at a hospital in France. Objective data, such as the time required to apply or change a product and physical stress on the back and hands/wrists, as well as users' subjective assessment of product handling were investigated. Both objective and subjective assessments showed that elastic slips were superior to other slip products. The traditional and belted slips were the second-best products in the objective and subjective assessments respectively. Choice of incontinence product influences the time required and the physical demands associated with handling. Both aspects can be considerably reduced with the use of appropriate absorbent incontinence products.

Analyzing psychophysical state and cognitive performance in human-robot collaboration for repetitive assembly processes

One of the main paradigms of Industry 5.0 is represented by human-robot collaboration (HRC), which aims to support humans in production processes. However, working entire shifts in close contact with a robotic system may introduce new hazards from a cognitive ergonomics perspective. This paper presents a methodological approach to monitor the evolution of the operator’s psychophysical state noninvasively in shifts of a repetitive assembly process, focusing on stress, mental workload, and fatigue. Through the use of non-invasive biosensors, it is possible to obtain objective information, even in real time, on the operator’s cognitive load and stress in a naturalistic manner (i.e., without interrupting or hindering the process). In the HRC setting, recognition of the operator’s psychophysical state is the first step in supporting his or her well-being and can provide clues to improve collaboration. The proposed method was applied to a case study aimed at comparing shifts performed both manually and with a cobot of a repetitive assembly process. The results showed significant differences in terms of process performance evolution and psychophysical state of the operator. In particular, the presence of the cobot resulted in fewer process failures, stress and cognitive load especially in the first phase of the work shift. The case study analyzed also showed the adequacy of noninvasively collected physiological data in providing important information on the evolution of the operator’s stress, cognitive load, and fatigue.

Human Energy Expenditure in High-Level Order Picking

Order picking is one of the most significant components of the warehouse management. More than 50% of the cost incurred in warehouses is due to the order picking process. Although this process has mostly been considered within the framework of economic objectives, in recent years the ergonomic perspective has become increasingly visible. Order picking studies regarding ergonomic objectives have mostly focused on low-level order picking systems, but the human factor has been ignored in high-level order picking. In order to fill this gap, this study focuses on the order picking process of a single block high-level warehouse with a special focus on human factor. For this purpose, a capacity-constrained mathematical model based on order batching and routing for the minimization of human energy expenditure is proposed. In this three-dimensional (3D) warehouse system, the distances and travel times between locations were first determined using Tchebychev formulas in order to calculate the human energy expenditure between order locations. Then, human energy matrices between order locations were created using human energy calculation formulas based on time and item weight. These matrices, which were created for three different randomly generated sample data sets, were used in the mathematical model solution and the optimum batches and routes were determined. In order to compare the results, First-come First-serve (FCFS) batching and S-shaped routing, which are simple and common batching and routing methods used in practice, were applied for the sample problem data sets and it was observed that the mathematical model gave better results.

O1A8-01 The Current Situation of Abdominal Ultrasound Examination from the Perspective of Ergonomics and Our Efforts

O1A8-01 The Current Situation of Abdominal Ultrasound Examination from the Perspective of Ergonomics and Our Efforts

Ergonomic Analysis of Operator Consoles on Air Support Aircraft

The Digital Human Modelling (DHM) method, in which the anthropometric characteristics of humans are represented using a computer-aided three-dimensional model, is used in many different ergonomic optimisation applications, especially in areas such as manufacturing, machine utilization, assembly simulation, cabin design, human-robot communication. This method aims to identify and reduce potential ergonomic risks in posture and work positions during the design phase by simulating human-machine interactions in digital environments.Thus, possible injuries and injuries can be prevented. Especially in critical aviation applications where operator safety is vital, functionality and ergometry analyzes are important in cockpit and console designs. In this study, ergonomic analyzes of the operator consoles in an air support aircraft were carried out according to the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) methods, according to two different postures, using the Human Builder and Human Activity Analysis modules in the CATIA V5 sofware. In Position-1, the operator's situation of directly looking at the screen and reaching for the screen buttons is considered, while in Position-2, the operator's situation of reaching for the tablet located on the side and looking at the screen below has been evaluated from an ergonomic perspective. Additionally, angle of view analyses have been performed for these two postural positions.