Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)

Evaluation of Micromobility Vehicles in Terms of Ergonomics of Use

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:09:37 GMT

Micromobility refers to small, lightweight, and usually electric vehicles designed for short-distance journeys. These vehicles, which are increasingly preferred in urban transportation, are used to reduce traffic congestion, be environmentally friendly, and facilitate personal transportation. Micromobility vehicles, generally used for short distances, such as electric scooters, bicycles, and similar vehicles, offer an effective transportation solution in urban mobility. When literature studies are examined, it is seen that micromobility generally focuses on integrating the transportation system. However, the fact that these vehicles are in public use creates some difficulties and restrictions in terms of ergonomics. This situation brings with it the problems experienced by users in terms of comfort and safety. In particular, vehicle design may not adequately respond to the needs of various user groups. Ergonomic elements such as handlebar height, footrest width, and accessibility of control mechanisms are among the factors that directly affect the user experience. In this study, micromobility vehicles were examined in terms of ergonomics, and suggestions were presented to ensure that these vehicles are preferred more by users. Suggestions include adjusting the vehicles according to the physical characteristics of the users, increasing comfort and safety, and developing designs suitable for different user groups. Ergonomic improvements will make the use of micromobility vehicles more attractive and will allow them to appeal to a wider range of users in urban transportation. In this context, considering micromobility from an ergonomic perspective is of great importance both in terms of increasing user satisfaction and supporting sustainable urban transportation.

The Role of Human Factors, Ergonomics, and 3D Modeling When Evaluating Incidents Involving Micromobility Devices: An E-Scooter Fall Case Study

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:44:58 GMT

Micromobility devices—encompassing a range of lightweight devices such as bicycles, pedal-assist bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, and electronic skateboards—are promising as a complement to existing modes of travel. Human factors and ergonomics professionals can leverage available technology, education, and experience to assess aspects of human behavior, perception, expectations, performance, and kinematics when interacting with micromobility devices. This study discusses the application of Human Factors and 3D modeling when assessing micromobility devices during real-world incident investigations and showcases various tools that can be used for these types of assessments. This article outlines an incident case study involving an operator-owned e-scooter purchased from the manufacturer.

A Queuing Model Based Rapid Evaluation Method for Automotive Control Design

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:44:58 GMT

This paper evaluates the ergonomics performance of automotive driving systems through a new computational model, aiming to enhance vehicle control design more cost-effectively than traditional experimental human factors research in the automotive field. Parameters such as spatial coordinates and control dimensions were measured for different driver interaction controls (e.g., hazard light switches, steering wheel buttons) across three typical passenger vehicles. These parameters were integrated into the QN-MHP-U to simulate driver operational behaviors and predict task performance. A computational method was introduced to assess the ergonomic scores of automotive control designs based on the modeling results. The QN-MHP-U provides a systematic and universally applicable solution for evaluating and comparing vehicle control designs within automotive driving systems. This allows automotive designers to assess and improve vehicle control designs from an ergonomic perspective more efficiently in terms of time and economic costs.

Ergonomic evaluation of a new truck seat design: A field study

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:17 GMT

A postural evaluation of commercial licensed truck drivers was conducted to determine the ergonomic benefits of a truck seat prototype in comparison with an industry standard seat. Twenty commercially licensed truck drivers were recruited to perform a 90-min driving task. Postures were assessed using accelerometers and a backrest and seat pan pressure mapping system. Subjective discomfort measurements were monitored using two questionnaires: ratings of perceived discomfort (RPD) and the automotive seating discomfort questionnaire (ASDQ). Participants reported significantly higher discomfort scores when sitting in the industry standard seat. Participants sat with more lumbar lordosis and assumed a more extended thoracic posture when seated in the prototype. Pairing the gluteal backrest panel with the adjustable seat pan also helped reduce the average sitting pressure on both the seat pan and the backrest. The prototype provided several postural benefits for commercially certified truck drivers, as it did for a young and healthy population.

Musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:17 GMT

Bus drivers are exposed to various health, safety, and ergonomic risks, making them vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers. This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024509249). Relevant studies were identified up to February 12, 2024, through databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SID, ISC, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index, and a random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14. Out of 723 initially identified studies, 22 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers was 73.87% (95% confidence interval [CI] [64.37, 83.36], I2 = 98.2%, p < 0.001). Prevalence by the body region was as follows: lower back (50.22%), neck (39.88%), shoulder (38.72%), upper back (32.42%), knee (31.74%), foot (28.29%), hip/thigh (14.86%), hand (14.74%), and elbow (9.36%). MSDs are highly prevalent among bus drivers, especially in the lower back. Given the presence of various ergonomic risk factors, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies, including targeted training, ergonomic assessments, accessible healthcare, and effective rehabilitation programs, to manage and mitigate the progression of MSDs in this population.

A case study of digital human modelling assisted occupant packaging design: comparing driving posture and position prediction methods

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:02:13 GMT

Accurately predicting driving postures and positions is crucial for occupant packaging design to accommodate diverse drivers. However, this is challenging due to individual variability and limited access to user data. Digital human modelling (DHM) tools enable posture prediction in virtual environments. This paper presents a case study comparing two driving prediction methods: a statistical prediction method (SPM) and an optimisation prediction method (OPM). Both were evaluated using data from two car models with different seat heights, involving 199 participants whose seat, eye-point, and steering wheel positions were measured. Results showed SPM was more accurate for vertical positioning, whereas OPM for fore-aft positioning. The effectiveness of each method varied by car model, with SPM aligning better in the higher-seated vehicle and OPM performing better in the lower-seated vehicle. These findings highlight the practical, context-specific performance of posture prediction methods. Methodological insights guide the improvement of DHM tool use in occupant packaging.

What drives the effective integration of lift assists in automotive assembly? Perspectives from operators, ergonomists, and manufacturers

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:12:50 GMT

Automotive assembly workers experience elevated risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders due to frequent material handling. Lift assists (LAs) can reduce these risks by offsetting payload weights. However, integrating LAs into complex workflows can be challenging, and workers may choose not to use LAs to achieve other objectives. We interviewed 16 operators, nine ergonomists, and six LA manufacturers to capture diverse viewpoints. Content analysis revealed perspectives on LA usability, design, implementation, and operational concerns. Operators noted physical demands in initiating, turning, or stopping LAs, and emphasized lightweight designs, simplified controls, and structured training. Ergonomists reported retrofitting LAs into workflows not designed for LAs, creating integration challenges. LA manufacturers described balancing ergonomic goals with operational demands and evolving requirements, emphasizing the need for better design feedback. Our findings suggest that heavy equipment, complex controls, and limited training hinder successful LA implementation; we offer recommendations to improve future LA design and implementation.

An ergonomics study on side- and rear-view CMS display locations in two lane-changing scenarios

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:16:42 GMT

In an effort to address existing knowledge gaps in human factors research on camera monitor system (CMS) display layout, this study investigated the effects of side- and rear-view CMS display locations under two lane-changing scenarios with different levels of urgency. Fifty participants performed a simulated lane-changing task four times in each of 12 driving conditions (2 side-view display locations × 3 rear-view display locations × 2 driving scenarios), and their response time, number of collisions, eyes-off-the-road time, and subjective ratings (accuracy, learnability, memorability, intuitiveness, preference, and satisfaction) were collected. The study findings highlight the importance of aligning CMS display locations with driver's mental model by positioning the displays near the traditional mirror locations while minimizing eye gaze travel distances by positioning them close to driver's forward line of sight. Additionally, the relative importance of these two conflicting design characteristics may vary depending on the context-dependent roles of CMS displays.

Human back contour modeling for backrest design in future vehicles

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:16:42 GMT

As automated vehicles evolve, seating designs must accommodate a wider range of postures, particularly for non-driving-related activities such as relaxing and sleeping. This study aims to model human back shapes in seated and reclined positions to improve ergonomic seat designs. Human back contour data were collected from 36 participants using a custom measurement device in two setups: a 25° backrest angle and a seat pan angle of 15°, simulating a driving posture, and a 50° backrest angle with the same seat pan angle, representing a reclined posture. Statistical Shape Models (SSMs) were developed to analyze the variability of back contours. The 25° setup exhibited a flatter spinal curve and higher compactness, capturing 79.7 % of the variance with the first principal component (PC1), compared to 74.6 % in the 50° setup. The combined setup balanced these differences, providing a comprehensive model for diverse postures. Overall, PC1, PC2, and PC3 together captured more than 96 % of total contour variance, indicating that variations in back height, neck bending, and lumbar prominence constitute the dominant sources of geometric diversity. These findings offer actionable dimensions for designing ergonomic backrests that support diverse users and postures. Future research should investigate whether implementing these guidelines enhances comfort and should include more diverse populations and a broader range of postures.

Human posture and motion prediction for automotive ergonomics design : enhancing functionality and accuracy in digital human modelling tools

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:33:39 GMT

Product development (PD) increasingly relies on digital tools to support the process of exploring, generating, and evaluating product design proposals. Ergonomics plays a critical role in ensuring that product designs align with human capabilities and needs. Digital human modelling (DHM) tools can simulate human-product interactions and assess ergonomics virtually, before physical prototypes exist. In vehicle design, DHM tools are frequently applied in occupant packaging activities, supporting the design of vehicle interiors that accommodate a diverse user population. Still, although commonly used in industry, DHM tools have various limitations. One challenge is their limited ability to predict human postures and motions with sufficient accuracy. This inaccuracy is the result of current simulation procedures and the prediction models used. To compensate for this, DHM tool users often require significant manual adjustments to produce realistic postures, making the process time-consuming, subjective, and difficult to reproduce. Moreover, the simulation procedures themselves can be complex and inefficient, reducing their accessibility and usefulness in iterative design work. These limitations often lead to costly and time-consuming validation activities involving real users. This thesis addresses these challenges by developing and evaluating methods and models to enhance the functionality and accuracy of posture and motion predictions in DHM tools.

The Promise of Sustainable Aviation

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:00:21 GMT

The path to sustainable aviation including drones and advanced air mobility (AAM), is one where human factors and ergonomic (HFE) practitioners play an important role. With this technology comes a focus on clean energy, reduced emissions, and efficient infrastructure satisfying the sustainability aspect, but it also brings HFE challenges including decision making, workload, and display design. This expert panel will present lessons learned from industry and academia as a springboard to a discussion with the audience.

Analysis of discrepancies between preferred and comfortable sitting posture strategies among Chinese drivers

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:58:28 GMT

Driving posture significantly impacts driving comfort, and analyzing drivers’ preferences in posture contributes to enhancing the overall driving experience. However, differences in body characteristics among different racial groups and the lack of on-site studies restrict the applicability of existing research conclusions to the Chinese driver population. This study categorizes and defines the upper and lower body driving postures of Chinese drivers, investigates the factors influencing sitting posture strategies in real vehicle environments, and explores the correlation between preferred sitting posture strategies and comfortable sitting posture strategies. Ninety drivers were measured for six joint angles of their preferred driving posture under three OPL (Sedan, SUV, and MPV) conditions, along with comfort evaluations. Systematic clustering and k-means clustering were employed to classify and define joint angles. Pearson chi-square tests were conducted to analyze the effects of driver attributes (Gender, Height, Age) and OPL on sitting posture strategies, and the distribution of sitting posture strategies and comfort evaluations was statistically analyzed. Cluster analysis revealed three upper-body sitting posture strategies (Slouching, Reclined, Upright) and three lower-body sitting posture strategies (Knee Extended, Knee Flexed, Knee Lifting), with the proportions of the upper and lower-body sitting posture strategies calculated. Statistical tests indicated that four factors (Gender, Height, Age, and OPL) had a significant impact on both upper and lower-body sitting posture strategies. The findings suggest a certain correlation between preferred sitting posture strategies and comfortable sitting posture strategies. This study obtained the distribution of sitting posture strategies among Chinese drivers under different influencing factors and explored the relationship between different sitting posture strategies and comfort. The findings of this study contribute to the ergonomic design and assessment of human-machine interfaces, including steering wheels and seats, within intelligent car cabins. The aim is to enhance the driving experience by providing drivers with greater comfort.

Enhancing Aircraft Engine Part Inspection Using a Handheld 3D Scanner

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:45:16 GMT

Accurate defect quantification is crucial for ensuring the serviceability of aircraft engine parts. Traditional inspection methods, such as profile projectors and replicating compounds, suffer from inconsistencies, operator dependency, and ergonomic challenges. To address these limitations, the 4D InSpec® handheld 3D scanner was introduced as an advanced solution for defect measurement and analysis. This article evaluates the effectiveness of the 4D InSpec scanner through multiple statistical methods, including Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R), Isoplot®, Youden plots, and Bland–Altman plots. A new concept of Probability of accurate Measurement (PoaM)© was introduced to capture the accuracy of the defect quantification based on their size. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in measurement variability, with Gage R&R improving from 39.9% (profile projector) to 8.5% (3D scanner), thus meeting the AS13100 Aerospace Quality Standard. Additionally, the 4D InSpec scanner improved detection accuracy, provided automated defect quantification, and eliminated the need for time-consuming replication processes. Beyond performance improvements, the adoption of the 4D InSpec scanner led to a 75% reduction in direct labor time, significant cost savings, and the elimination of ergonomic risks and human error associated with traditional inspection methods, and enhanced defect reporting and data collection. The article closes with implementation requirements and areas for future improvement.

Enhancing Tractor Operator Comfort and Safety Through Advanced Drive Assistance Features

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:07:15 GMT

Operating tractors on inclined & uneven terrains for prolonged operations presents safety and ergonomic challenges. Applications such as shuttle operations, loader use, or long-duration implement usage prove to be highly critical based on field observations across Mahindra tractor platforms and it requires skill & experience for maneuvering at ease across usage. We identified the need to offload these repeatable tasks from the operator to improve control & offer comfort. This paper explains the role of Advanced drive assistance features developed for Mahindra tractors suited for all prime mover types – ICE, Alternate Fuels including electric. These features include Hill Hold, Electronic parking brake, Cruise control & Creep mode. Each feature is designed to offload frequent manual tasks from the operator and ensure smoother, safer operation. Hill hold and electronic parking brake work in tandem to offer unparalleled safety by eliminating the fear of tractor roll back in uneven terrain and surfaces both in launch and normal operational scenarios. Cruise and Creep control in a combination have been designed to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity.

Work performance measurement of visual inspectors in the automotive industry by considering ergonomic factors

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:47:17 GMT

Background:Visual inspection workers are always performing under various ergonomic factors and are more vulnerable to the effects of physical and organizational aspects, since their work deals highly with cognitive functions and the impact of ergonomic factors has to be identified in automotive industries to improve work performance.Objective:To study the combined effect of ergonomic factors that may have an impact on the performance of visual inspection workers in the automotive industry.Methods:In this experimental study combined factors such as postures (standing, sitting, Sit-stand) and work shifts (A shift, B shift, C Shift) have been studied at three levels. The study was conducted among selected employes (n?=?10) in the automotive manufacturing industry in 2023. During the study, the visual inspectors’ work performance was measured using the error study, and the cognitive functions of visual inspectors’ were evaluated by taking the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).Results:The study established that postures significantly impact work performance at 40.08% and cognitive functions at 36.25%. Work shifts significantly impact work performance with 18.18% and cognitive functions with 26.62% of visual inspectors’ in the automotive industry. The combined effect of postures and work shifts has significantly impacted the visual inspectors’ performance with 13.29% on work performance and 10.12% on cognitive functions.Conclusions:This study draws the inference that individual and combined factors (Posture and Work shift) both possess a significant impact on the work performance and cognitive functions of visual inspectors’ in the automotive manufacturing industry.