Browsing by Author "Abreu, Ana Betty"
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- Influence of automation on biomechanical exposure of the upper-limbs in an industrial assembly line: a pilot studyPublication . Santos, Joana; Abreu, Ana Betty; Fonseca, Pedro; Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Santos Baptista, João; Santos, Rubim; Vaz, MárioAutomation of assembly work was originally developed to increase operation efficiency and to reduce workload. However, a considerable number of unanticipated ergonomic problems have been observed such as the interaction between humans and automated systems. The aims of this study were to quantify joint angle positions (shoulder, elbow and wrist) of workers in two assembly lines with different mechanization levels and analyse the performance of an inertial motion capture system. Seven experienced female assemblers participated in this study. The measurements were performed in the workplace with a full-body inertial measurement system (Xsens MVN BIOMECH system). Maximum cross-correlation between angle-time courses was calculated to quantify the waveform similarities. In manual line, there are larger variations of joint angles than in the semi-automatic one. The analysis of cross correlation coefficients revealed that electromagnetic interferences are potential limitations to the use of these systems under field conditions.
- Measurement of upper-limb joint angular kinematics: A comparative study in manual and semi-automated assembly linePublication . Abreu, Ana Betty; Santos, Joana; Baptista, JoãoAssembly lines are the production system mostly used in industry in order to achieve higher production rates. Thus, workstations are getting more automated and operators tend to perform highly dynamic repetitive movements. As the work demands increase the biomechanical load of the soft tissues of the upper-limbs are also intensified. The operator’s exposure to this work-related risk factor is a probable cause for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The main purpose of the study is to measure the range of motion of the upper-limb articulation of subjects in the same workstation in two different assembly lines when performing assemble work. For the data collection was used an inertial measurement system Xsens MVN BIOMECH. The data indicates that the operators have similar range of motion in the upper-limb articulation. It was possible to verify that the subjects in study perform repetitive movements and tend to adopt the work method defined.