Ergonomics Commons^™

Sensitive Grip Mounting Surfaces For Physical Human-Robot Interaction., Branden Shay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the development of robotics becomes ever increasingly present in our society, the need for studying how humans and robots interact with each other becomes more of a necessity to be properly integrated in the changing world around us. In this thesis, we undertake the study and development of how to create a tactile human-robot operator interface to guide a robot perform a physical task. The implementation of tactile interfaces such as SkinCell sensor arrays emulating skin, and of a robotic handlebar fitted with tactile sensors are critical examples of the challenges that come with mounting and packaging such sensors …

Effect Of Workload And Trust On Automation Levels In Human-Robot Collaboration, Abhiram Maddula

LSU Master's Theses

Automation is becoming increasingly common in manufacturing and assembly plants. The future lies in hybrid workspaces where the strengths of humans and robots complement each other, with robots excelling in precision, speed, and strength, and humans excelling in creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex decision-making. Collaborative robots can foster a more efficient and productive work environment by bridging the gap between human and machine capabilities. This study examines how semi-automated and automated modes impact human-robot collaboration, focusing on mental workload, trust, and task performance.

In this experiment, 58 participants performed a primary task alongside a collaborative robot assembling a miniature lamppost …

Great South Metals: Slitter Head Building Process, Nabhan Karim, Evan Swierski, Raven Morin, Patrick Kelsey, Michael Williams

Senior Design Project For Engineers

Great South Metals (GSM) operates two steel slitter machines, which take large coils of flat rolled steel and cut them into smaller strips for use in customers’ applications. Setting up the working components of each machine, called the slitter head, is a precise and arduous task. This system relies on several manually performed calculations and acute attention to detail; and thus, is prone to human error. The management at GSM commissioned our team to simplify the slitter head assembly process by creating an automated computer program and make additional recommendations to improve their operations.

The program we created is a …

Role Of Occupational Therapy Assessment And Office Ergonomics To Support Students With Accommodations In Higher Learning: A Narrative Review, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, Christi Tam, Raabia Khan, Bushra Alam, Sujatha Alla

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Postsecondary students with disabilities (SWDs) face significant challenges to their academic and personal well-being. There is a demand for more supportive strategies to facilitate fulfilling and equitable academic experiences for SWDs. This review aimed to (1) determine the effectiveness of various interventions, programs, and accommodations for enhancing the overall well-being of postsecondary SWDs and (2) evaluate the implications of these support strategies for disability service providers at postsecondary institutions. A narrative review was conducted, examining 13 studies aimed at enhancing the well-being of postsecondary SWDs. Studies were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Model. Ergonomics, …

Fusion Et Validation De Modèles Musculosquelettiques De La Colonne Lombaire Pour La Prévention Et La Réadaptation Des Travailleurs, Christian Larivière, Farshid Ghezelbash, Amir Eskandari, Denis Gagnon, Hakim Mecheri, Navid Arjmand, Aboulfazl Shirazi-Adl

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les charges imposées sur la colonne vertébrale lombaire constituent un facteur de risque important pour les maux de dos. Connaître la distribution de ces forces internes lors d’activités de travail est nécessaire autant en prévention qu’en réadaptation des travailleurs. La modélisation musculosquelettique (MS) de la colonne vertébrale est la seule approche non invasive permettant d’estimer les charges sur les structures internes de la colonne.

Deux modèles ont été développés au Québec, soient un modèle par éléments finis (MEF) guidé par le mouvement et un autre guidé par des mesures électromyographiques (EMG) d’activation musculaire (modèle MEMG). Ces modèles sont donc sensibles …

Les Pratiques Professionnelles Des Pomiculteurs Exposés Aux Pesticides : Des Savoir-Faire De Métier Aux Pratiques Stratégiques, Caroline Jolly, Alain Garrigou, Elise Ledoux

Études primaires

Dans les très petites entreprises pomicoles, le propriétaire assume majoritairement seul la préparation et la pulvérisation des pesticides. Le respect des mesures de prévention prescrites n’élimine pas l’exposition, pouvant occasionner des effets à la santé. L’objectif est de décrire les pratiques professionnelles développées par les pomiculteurs. Elles visent à limiter l’exposition aux pesticides tout en produisant des fruits de qualité, contribuant ainsi à l'essor de leur entreprise. La recherche-intervention mobilisant l’ergotoxicologie a été réalisée auprès de pomiculteurs au Québec. La diversité des pratiques professionnelles présentées s’inscrit dans les domaines d’activités de la gestion stratégique (p. ex. : développement de l’entreprise) …

Measurement Of The Local Static Mechanical Pressure Of Earplugs, Luiz G.C. Melo, Ahmed S. Dalaq, Franck Sgard, Olivier Doutres, Laurianne Legroux, Eric Wagnac

Études primaires

Earplugs are used in various critical industrial sectors, such as construction, aviation, military and defense, transportation, and healthcare. However, they present inherent drawbacks, notably discomfort that can lead to inconsistent and incorrect use, thereby leaving a significant proportion of workers vulnerable to irreversible hearing damage, ranging from tinnitus to deafness. This discomfort is closely linked to a physical parameter known as static mechanical pressure (SMP), representing the pressure exerted by earplugs on the earcanal walls. Determining the SMP is crucial for developing earplugs that prioritize comfort. However, experimental studies in this area are scarce and there is no experimental set-up …

An Impedance Tube Technique For Estimating The Insertion Loss Of Earplugs, K. Carillo, O. Doutres, F. Sgard

Études primaires

This paper proposes a quick and straightforward technique for estimating the insertion loss (IL) of earplugs measured on an acoustical test fixture (ATF) using a commercial impedance tube. In this method, the earplug's acoustic properties (i.e., its transmission loss and the reflection coefficient of its medial surface) are determined from its transfer matrix measured using the three-microphones impedance tube method modified here for the current application. The IL is then estimated using a one-dimensional analytical model of open and occluded earcanals based on the wavefield decomposition theory. The method is evaluated numerically and experimentally from 50 Hz to 6.5 kHz. …

Yankee Feedstock Project, Nathan Mcanany, Richard Gualtiere

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report details the design process, application, considerations, costs, and functionality of an automated tape “feedstock” machine. Yankee Insulation Products will use this project to create rolls of Aluminum foil tape that are included in their Therma-Dome assembly kit. The goal of this design will aid in the streamlining and effectiveness of the current process. When designing the automated process, the current process was evaluated for areas of improvement. Design parameters were also given to the project by the sponsoring company that were to be considered and incorporated.

A Multimodal Physical Fatigue Assessment Method Using A Biomarker And Accelerometer-Embedded Wearable Wristband, Md Hadisur Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Physically demanding tasks pose significant challenges to worker health, safety, and productivity across various industrial sectors in the United States. The construction industry is particularly affected due to the labor-intensive nature of its tasks and harsh environmental conditions. The industry suffers from unsatisfactory occupational health and safety records, with physical fatigue being a major contributor. Physical fatigue not only affects individual well-being and workplace safety but also influences productivity and the United States’ economy. Given the high incidence of injuries and accidents in the construction industry, assessing physical fatigue has become critical for improving worker safety and productivity. To address …