Ergonomic design through virtual humans

This paper presents a methodological approach to analyze ergonomic issues of equipment specifically designed to load refrigerated display units. The methodology is based on the integrated use of virtual humans and prototyping techniques and on the comparison between the analysis of AS-IS product and TO-BE design concepts to highlight improvements or worsening of the new design and eventual residual deficiencies. In particular, Digital Human Models have been adopted to evaluate different technical solutions for pick and place operations of food items on the display unit shelves according to the specific needs of supermarket operators and to ensure health and hygienic conditions. We first present the state of the art of digital human models and the referring standards for workplace regulations in terms of postures and fatigue. The adopted methodology is described including chosen virtual humans, refrigerated units and handled products. Then, the application of the methodology is described as well as the ergonomics tests and results obtained for the AS-IS and TO-BE solutions. Finally, discussion of results and conclusions are reported.