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Cognitive and metabolic workload assessment techniques: A review in automotive manufacturing context

Dadashi, Nastaran; Lawson, Glyn; Marshall, Michael; Stokes, Gary

Cognitive and metabolic workload assessment techniques: A review in automotive manufacturing context Thumbnail


Authors

Nastaran Dadashi

GLYN LAWSON GLYN.LAWSON@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Associate Professor

Michael Marshall

Gary Stokes



Abstract

Ergonomics assessment in the automotive industry has, to date, focused mainly on physical ergonomics, for example, manual handling and posture. However, workload and, in particular, metabolic and cognitive workload, contributes to worker efficiency but has not received sufficient attention to yield practical guidance for industry. Successful workload assessment requires in-depth understanding of the context in which it will be conducted and of the various assessment techniques which will be applied, with consideration given to factors such as feasibility, resources, and skill of the assessor. These requirements are met with challenges within large and complex organizations and are often dealt with in a piecemeal and isolated matter (i.e., reactive workload assessment). The present paper explores these challenges within the automotive manufacturing industry and aims to develop a decision matrix to guide effective selection of workload assessment techniques focused on metabolic and cognitive demands. It also presents the requirements for time, equipment, and knowledge to implement these techniques as part of a participatory ergonomics approach. Early findings suggest that most assessment techniques reviewed require further development, for example, to establish the acceptance criteria for the specific workload scenario. However, five methods (Garg, Borg RPE, IPAQ, SWAT, and NASA-TLX) are ready to use in certain applications. Ultimately, the findings suggest that it is possible to implement a participatory workload evaluation program within large and complex manufacturing plants.

Citation

Dadashi, N., Lawson, G., Marshall, M., & Stokes, G. (2022). Cognitive and metabolic workload assessment techniques: A review in automotive manufacturing context. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Service Industries, 32(1), 20-34. https://doi.org/10.1002/hfm.20928

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 9, 2021
Online Publication Date Jun 28, 2021
Publication Date 2022-01
Deposit Date Jun 21, 2021
Publicly Available Date Jun 29, 2022
Journal Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Service Industries
Print ISSN 1090-8471
Electronic ISSN 1520-6564
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 32
Issue 1
Pages 20-34
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/hfm.20928
Keywords metabolic workload; cognitive workload; automative manufacturing; participatory ergonomics; ergonomics intervention Keywords: metabolic workload; cognitive workload; automotive manufacturing; ergonomics intervention
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5717443
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hfm.20928

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