Title: Complementarities of digital human models and ergonomic work analysis in workstation design: the manual packaging task

Authors: Andrea Regina Martins Fontes; Ana Carolina Parise; Gustavo Falconi Filippi; Daniel Braatz; Nilton Luiz Menegon

Addresses: Federal University of São Carlos, Campus Sorocaba Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, km 110 – Sorocaba/SP, CEP: 18052-780, Brazil ' Federal University of São Carlos, Campus São Carlos Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235 – São Carlos/SP, CEP: CEP 13565-905, Brazil ' Federal University of São Carlos, Campus Sorocaba Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, km 110 – SorocabaSP, CEP: 18052-780, Brazil ' Federal University of São Carlos, Campus São Carlos Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235 – São Carlos/SP, CEP: CEP 13565-905, Brazil ' Federal University of São Carlos, Campus São Carlos Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235 – São Carlos/SP, CEP: CEP 13565-905, Brazil

Abstract: This study demonstrates how digital human models and ergonomic work analysis (EWA) can be integrated in the process of designing a new workstation. To this end, this paper examines the application of human simulation technology during an ergonomic intervention, which included the design of a new workstation concept with new technical artefacts. Simulation was used to test some of the design variables and to aid communication among the actors. The environments were designed in AutoCAD 2010 (Autodesk) and then imported to Delmia V5R18 (Dassault Systèmes) to simulate the static tests (variables such as posture) and the dynamic tests (animations). The main findings indicate that digital human simulation is an important tool to aid workstation design and to anticipate situations in future work activities. This case study revealed that the integrated use of EWA and simulation enabled workers to participate and interact as people directly responsible for planning work activities.

Keywords: digital human simulation; DHS; activity-centred ergonomics; workstation design; technological innovation; digital human models; DHM; ergonomic work analysis; manual packaging; modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2014.067185

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2014 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.266 - 277

Received: 05 Jul 2013
Accepted: 06 Sep 2014
Published online: 07 Feb 2015 *

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