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Understanding the synthesis of anthropometric diversity and workspace dimensions in ergonomic design of light armored vehicle
Author(s) -
Wibneh Amare,
Singh Ashish K.,
Karmakar Sougata
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing and service industries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.408
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1520-6564
pISSN - 1090-8471
DOI - 10.1002/hfm.20893
Subject(s) - workspace , anthropometry , accommodation , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , simulation , engineering , computer science , transport engineering , psychology , artificial intelligence , geography , robot , environmental health , medicine , archaeology , neuroscience
Background and objective To ensure effective carrying, scouting, patrolling, and large‐scale combat operations, the workspace design of light armored vehicles (LAVs) should be compatible with anthropometry and range of motion (ROM) measurements of the soldiers. This study examines the extent of mismatch between the anthropometric dimensions of the Ethiopian army and existing workspace dimensions of the LAV. Predictive equations have been formulated for design dimensions considering anthropometry and ROM of the target population to avoid possible incompatibility. Method The assessment was conducted on three existing Ethiopian LAVs, and mathematical equations were framed to predict the vehicular design dimensions. Anthropometric and ROM data of Ethiopian soldiers ( n = 310) from an earlier reported survey by the authors were utilized. The accommodation capacity of existing LAVs was evaluated using a one‐way or two‐way (mis)match criterion, based on individual workspace characteristics. Along with the predicted dimensions, key vehicular dimensions were compared with other globally accepted vehicular standard dimensions. Results Twenty‐two basic design dimensions that comply with ergonomics principles were proposed. A high mismatch (in terms of the accommodating capacities of the three LAVs) between the existing and predicted design dimensions indicates the incompatibility of the existing design dimensions in their accommodation of most Ethiopian army personnel. The predicted dimensions comply with different global vehicular standards, thus validating the results. Conclusion The research findings indicate that the incompatibilities between vehicular space dimensions and army personnel's anthropometry must be addressed to evade the adverse consequences on occupational health. The LAVs should be redesigned according to the anthropometry and ROM dimensions of Ethiopian soldiers.