PSI - Issue 8

F. Caputo et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 8 (2018) 297–308 Author name / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2017) 000 – 000

301

5

Figure 3. Human-centered design validation workflow.

The work flow shown in Figure 3, starting from a preliminary design of the workstation based on operation cards, is composed by two macro-steps:

virtual analysis and validation;

 

physical analysis and definitive validation.

About the first validation, for the virtual simulation step the used software are: TECNOMATIX PROCESS SIMULATE by Siemens® and EAWSdigital by MTM®. Process Simulate is a PLM software that allows to create a virtual scenario in which one or more workstations can be created. In that scenario, the software module “Human” allows to create a digital cinematized mannequin that is able to carry out all tasks that characterize the workstation. He can pick and place objects, apply forces, push and pull carts, handle loads, simulate several operations. Once the time-based simulation is completed, a tool integrated in the Process Simulate software, called EAWSdigital, is able to acquire data from the whole simulation and to evaluate the EAWS index, filling-in the checklist. Once EAWS index is evaluated, it is possible to validate the virtual workstation in case of green value and re organize the simulation, or design a new workstation, in case of red value. Once the virtual workstation has been validated, physical tests are necessary in order to deliberate the workstation design definitively. The main analysis concern postural aspects end efforts exerted by the workers. These parameters can be evaluated operating on the Body in White car or by means of immersive reality technologies applied to physical workstation as previously virtually designed. The use of wearable devices is necessary for a proper analysis. Motion tracking devices represent an important research area for ergonomic issues. For this application a homemade motion capture system, described in the next paragraph, has been used to analyse the postural angles trend. From EAWS index evaluated by physical analysis it is possible to validate the designed workstation. In case of red value, a new design is necessary to iterate a new analysis cycle.