International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics最新文献

{"title":"Simulation-based multi-objective optimization combined with a DHM tool for occupant packaging design","authors":"Estela Perez Luque ,&nbsp;Aitor Iriondo Pascual ,&nbsp;Dan Högberg ,&nbsp;Maurice Lamb ,&nbsp;Erik Brolin","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Occupant packaging design is usually done using computer-aided design (CAD) and digital human modelling (DHM) tools. These tools help engineers and designers explore and identify vehicle cabin configurations that meet accommodation targets. However, studies indicate that current working methods are complicated and iterative, leading to time-consuming design procedures and reduced investigations of the solution space, in turn meaning that successful design solutions may not be discovered. This paper investigates potential advantages and challenges in using an automated simulation-based multi-objective optimization (SBMOO) method combined with a DHM tool to improve the occupant packaging design process. Specifically, the paper studies how SBMOO using a genetic algorithm can address challenges introduced by human anthropometric and postural variability in occupant packaging design. The investigation focuses on a fabricated design scenario involving the spatial location of the seat and steering wheel, as well as seat angle, taking into account ergonomics objectives and constraints for various end-users. The study indicates that the SBMOO-based method can improve effectiveness and aid designers in considering human variability in the occupant packaging design process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103690"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identifying the impact of robot speed and task time on human-robot collaboration through facial feature analysis","authors":"Qian Zhang ,&nbsp;Lora Cavuoto","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing involvement of collaborative robots (cobots) has led human workers to perform more value-added tasks, but with greater mental demands. In order to properly design tasks that protect worker long-term health, it is important to be able to detect and quantify stressors (robot speed and task time) that increase mental workload in human-robot collaboration (HRC). In this work, HRC task conditions (robot speed and task time) were classified based on changes in facial features, a non-intrusive stress indicator that has rarely been investigated for HRC. Twenty participants performed an assembly task in a seated posture under both high and low robot speeds, and for a prolonged duration. The results showed stress level and mental workload were higher at high robot speed compared to low speed. For the high-speed setting, a higher stress level was observed at the end of task compared to the beginning. For task classification, a random forest model was able to classify task conditions for robot speed and task time with accuracies greater than 97%. The lip corner movement was the primary facial feature change across classification tasks. These results support the use of facial feature changes to detect worker response to stressful conditions in HRC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103691"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Generalization of inverse kinematics frameworks based on deep learning to new motor tasks and markersets","authors":"Hasnaa Ouadoudi Belabzioui ,&nbsp;Charles Pontonnier ,&nbsp;Georges Dumont ,&nbsp;Pierre Plantard ,&nbsp;Franck Multon","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Several systems propose to monitor the activity of workers in industry, with markerless Human Pose Estimation (HPE) methods based on deep learning. However, these systems simply provide sparse 3D human body keypoints, including noise and missing information. Hence, these sparse and noisy keypoints cannot be directly used to assess the biomechanical constraints associated with professional activity. Indeed, computing these constraints would require more accurate and high frequency motion capture data to compute reliable joint angles, or using inverse kinematics frameworks (such as OpenSim). Deep-learning (DL) based approaches, such as Opencap, have been introduced to estimate additional anatomical markers’ positions, to overcome this limitation. However, such DL-based methods rely on training datasets and predefined keypoints and markersets, and their ability to generalize to other tasks or experimental conditions is still unclear. In this paper, we assess the ability of Opencap, pre-trained with bipedal locomotion dataset, to generalize (i.e. estimate reliable 3D positions of additional anatomical markers) to bi-manual manipulation and picking tasks, and new markersets. Fine tuning, commonly used in DL to generalize a model to new data, is a promising mean to deal with unseen motions and different experimental conditions, with a few set of new training data. We evaluated the performance of various fine tuning strategies, such as retraining the full model, only the last layers or adding an additional output layer. Our results showed an important decrease of the estimation error when using fine tuning on picking and manipulation tasks, with new markersets, compared to directly applying the pretrained Opencap model. This decrease of error is obtained with a limited training dataset of 140,000 poses, which is promising for future use in new measurement conditions and unseen motions, as frequently observed in industry.</div><div><em>Relevance to industry:</em> Accurate Human Pose Estimation on-site is a key challenge to accurately assess musculoskeletal disorders with relevant and reliable biomechanical variables. However, RGB-based HPE used on-site generally provide sparse and noisy postural information, which is not compatible with standard biomechanical frameworks. This paper suggests and evaluates guidelines to overcome this limitation, and to make standard HPE methods be used in biomechanical framework. This open new avenues in estimating biomechanical variables that could improve the estimation of the musculoskeletal disorders risks directly in industrial context, as it is performed in laboratory conditions. This paper could be viewed as recommendations for companies which develop ergonomic assessment tools usable in industrial context.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103670"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel biomechanical model for predicting ankle moments and assessing static balance in users of shoulder-support exoskeletons","authors":"Tiejun Ma,&nbsp;Shuping Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) pose significant challenges, leading to substantial economic burdens and negatively impacting worker well-being. Shoulder-support exoskeletons have emerged as a promising solution to prevent shoulder WMSDs by providing ergonomic support to workers. However, the exoskeletons may restrict joint motion and affect the user balance, necessitating a thorough understanding of balance effects during the exoskeleton design and evaluation process. Currently, the absence of a balance prediction model for the shoulder-support exoskeleton users poses challenges in incorporating balance considerations into the early design stages. To fill this gap, this study proposes a novel biomechanical model to assess static balance by predicting ankle moment changes in shoulder-support exoskeleton users. Our model integrates principles from the Stiff Rod Inverted Pendulum model and introduces a novel function to compute the ankle moment resulting from exoskeleton reaction forces. The model's performance was validated by comparing it with experimental data and a widely used commercial benchmark software, the 3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP). Follow-up experimental validation demonstrated that the model predicted ankle moments closely aligned with the measured body sway and subjective instability ratings. Strong correlations were observed between the predicted ankle moment and subjective instability ratings. The mean difference between predicted ankle moments of the proposed model and those of the 3DSSPP in the no-exoskeleton condition was less than 1.15%. These findings indicate that the proposed model offers valuable insights to facilitate the design and evaluation of exoskeletons for improved static balance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103688"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Complementing Cross methodology with Human Centered Design approach: Application in the development of an assistive device","authors":"Sara Salazar-Salgado ,&nbsp;Daniel Escobar-Saltaren ,&nbsp;Simon Cuartas-Escobar ,&nbsp;Luz Angela Calderón ,&nbsp;Ana María Posada-Borrero ,&nbsp;Sofía C. Henao","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional methodologies often fall short in accommodating the unique requirements of assistive devices, which intimately interact with the human body. To address these intricacies, this paper presents an innovative framework that combines Nigel Cross' methodology with Human-Centered Design. This integration enriches the design process by infusing empathy, user involvement, and iterative prototyping.</div><div>While promising, the paper acknowledges limitations, including its application to a single case study of an upper limb prosthesis and the challenges of adapting the methodology to products of varying complexity. In essence, this paper contributes a holistic methodology that addresses the unique challenges of designing assistive devices, fostering innovation through user-centered and multidisciplinary collaboration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk perception scale for laboratory safety: Development and validation","authors":"Chaohui Lin ,&nbsp;Kangsheng Zheng ,&nbsp;Siu Shing Man","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous studies on risk perception (RP) related to laboratory safety have not fully considered the affective aspect of RP and lacked a comprehensive validation of reliability and validity. Accordingly, the present study addresses the needs of this research area with the development of a psychometrically reliable instrument for assessing laboratory workers' RP, namely, Risk Perception Scale for Laboratory Safety (RPSLS). Five hundred eighteen volunteer laboratory workers participated in the questionnaire survey. RPSLS consists of 24 items, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.945 to 0.953 and the intra-class correlation coefficient exceeding 0.9. Additionally, factor loadings and the average variance extracted (AVE) were above 0.70 and 0.5, respectively. The AVE square roots for four factors were above the construct correlations. These results demonstrated satisfactory reliability and discriminant and convergent validity, while acknowledging the moderate criterion-related validity. RPSLS was designed to measure four dimensions of RP: probability, severity, concern and unsafety. Negative correlations were found between the dimensions and laboratory workers engaging in risk-taking behaviour. RPSLS, as a reliable and valid tool, was established to evaluate laboratory workers' RP and is anticipated to support research on laboratory safety that considers workers' RP. RPSLS can be utilised as an assessment tool to identify laboratory workers likely to underestimate risks in hazardous experimental conditions. This insight can guide the development of targeted safety training programs, minimising unnecessary training effort and enhancing overall laboratory safety outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103689"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aesthetic evaluation method for interactive interface layouts on the basis of visual cognitive multi-attribute fusion decision making","authors":"Chaoxiang Yang ,&nbsp;Bingkun Yuan ,&nbsp;Kai Wu ,&nbsp;Junnan Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of a new model for online shopping for fresh e-commerce products has been spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of internet technology. The design of the interactive interface, which is the bridge that connects merchants and users, directly impacts consumers' willingness to make purchases. Therefore, designing an aesthetically pleasing interface that attracts customers and improves users' cognitive efficiency is a core issue in design for fresh e-commerce. In this paper, a method based on user visual cognition and eye-tracking technology is proposed, and the entropy weight–TOPSIS method is applied to evaluate the aesthetics of interfaces. First, sequence, simplicity, density, and dominance are selected as the aesthetic evaluation indices in accordance with the characteristics of users' visual cognition, and an aesthetic calculation formula is established. Second, a comprehensive evaluation index system for interface layout aesthetics is constructed on the basis of the mapping relationship between the aesthetic measurement indices and eye-movement indices. Finally, the entropy weight method is used to objectively weigh the eye-movement data, and then the transformed aesthetic measurement values are subjected to the TOPSIS method of multi-attribute decision-making. This study verified the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method by taking three typical fresh e-commerce interfaces as examples. The established interface layout aesthetics and eye-movement correlation evaluation index system can address the problem of the lack of quantitative research on users’ cognitive features.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103673"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of six observational methods for repetitive shoulder movements based on discomfort: An experimental study","authors":"Dohyung Kee","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increase in the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder necessitates effective observational methods for quantifying associated risk factors. Therefore, this experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of shoulder flexion, repetition, and external load on discomfort and to compare six observational techniques for assessing shoulder postural loading: Hand Arm Risk Assessment Method, Assessment of Repetitive Tasks of the upper limbs, Quick Exposure Check, Occupational Repetitive Action, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, and Loading on the Entire Body Assessment (LEBA). Based on the literature, this study summarized the characteristics of these techniques regarding assessment factors, body side assessed, risk levels, strengths, and limitations. An empirical investigation was conducted for measuring discomfort according to shoulder flexion, repetition, and external load in 16 young adults. The analysis revealed that the three independent variables of shoulder flexion, repetition, and external load significantly affected discomfort and LEBA scores at α = 0.01. Among the six methods, the LEBA score was the most strongly correlated with discomfort, and biomechanical measures of compressive force at the L5/S1 and moment at the shoulder. The LEBA also assessed the highest risk levels for the 27 experimental treatments. Although the LEBA is designed to evaluate whole-body postural stress, among the six methodologies, it emerged as a better option for assessing shoulder-relevant musculoskeletal loads under the study conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Relevance to industry</h3><div>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder are increasing in the industry. For preventing the disorders, quantification of shoulder postural loadings is required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103696"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retouching headshot photo by myself or professionals while job application? Difference between various retouching approaches on facial impressions perception","authors":"Winnie Fang ,&nbsp;Yu-Chi Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Retouching photographs has become a common behaviour in daily life, because of the development of related technology. However, there is insufficient data on how such approaches affect impression judgments for job applications. This study aimed to evaluate the difference between various retouched profile photos as first impressions for male and female perceivers. A total of 158 perceivers were recruited, and six retouching approaches (original, self-retouch, professionally retouched with 2- and 8-year work experiences and self-retouch after the two types of professional retouch) were examined in the study. Visual analogue scales measured six dimensions of facial impression (trustworthiness, dominance, attractiveness, competence, confidence and likability). Results indicated that retouching approaches and perceivers' gender significantly affected the six impressions (all p &lt; .01). The original photo and 8-year professionally retouched photo had the overall lowest (45.29) and highest (53.42) impression scores, respectively. The impression judgments improved after self-retouching the original photo (average score increased to 48.02). In contrast, self-retouch after a professional retouch generated a considerable decrease in trustworthiness, competence and likability by 1.79–2.0 scores. Female (51.45) perceivers gave substantially higher (all p &lt; .01) impression scores than males (48.90). Interaction effects were identified in the feelings of trustworthiness and dominance (all p &lt; .01). The results suggest that photos retouched by experienced professionals generated better impressions, regardless of the perceiver's gender. These findings offered practical guidance for job applicants and hiring professionals to optimize photo use in applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103700"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using digital/virtual escape rooms to measure team performance and cohesion of isolated multicultural teams","authors":"Susannah Aronson,&nbsp;Laura Ikuma,&nbsp;Isabelina Nahmens","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Multicultural teams are difficult to study when they are put in a long-term physically isolated environment, necessitating alternatives for research. This study determines the validity and reliability of a virtual escape room that promoted a simulated, isolated environment according to 93% of the participants tested. The study tested 17 multicultural teams completing two levels of a publicly available desktop game on virtual escape rooms. A questionnaire measured perceived team performance, perceived cohesion, and cohesion. An overall performance score was found by combining total time to completion, number of hints used, and peers’ ratings. Correlation coefficients were all &gt;0.2927 (p &lt; 0.038) and suggest that the escape room game is valid and reliable for performance and cohesion assessment. These findings allow isolated multicultural teams to be researched in an easily accessible setting, which can ultimately optimize their success before they enter isolated environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103671"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}