https://doi.org/10.26706/jpie.5.2.20240903

Abstract:

Human factors and ergonomics play a crucial role in the design and performance of modern manufacturing systems by directly influencing worker efficiency, safety, and overall productivity. With increasing emphasis on sustainable and human-centric manufacturing, the integration of ergonomic principles into system design has gained significant attention. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing system design and their impact on productivity improvement. The study focuses on key aspects such as workplace design, manual material handling, cognitive workload, human–machine interaction, and occupational health and safety. A systematic review of recent literature has been conducted to examine various ergonomic assessment tools and methodologies, including Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and digital human modeling techniques. The findings indicate that the application of ergonomic principles significantly reduces musculoskeletal disorders, improves worker comfort, and enhances operational efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies such as wearable sensors and smart monitoring systems enables real-time assessment of worker performance and fatigue. However, challenges such as implementation cost, lack of awareness, and difficulty in quantifying human factors remain critical concerns. This paper contributes by synthesizing existing research, identifying key trends, and highlighting research gaps for future studies. The outcomes of this review provide valuable insights for designing safer, more efficient, and human-centric manufacturing systems.

Index Terms:

Human Factors, Ergonomics, Manufacturing Systems, Productivity Improvement, Workplace Design, Occupational Safety

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