Title
The effect of joystick handle size and gain at two levels of required precision on performance and physical load on crane operators
Author
Huysmans, M.A.
de Looze, M.P.
Hoozemans, M.J.M.
van der Beek, A.J.
van Dieën, J.H.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2006
Abstract
The study was designed to determine the effect of joystick handle size and (display-control) gain at two levels of required task precision on performance and physical load on crane operators. Eight experienced crane operators performed a simulated crane operation task on a computer by use of a joystick with either a short or a large handle. The task was performed at three gain levels and at two levels of required precision. Task performance, wrist and forearm postures, upper extremity muscle activity, perceived exertion and perceived comfort were measured. Task performance improved when using the joystick with the short handle and when working at a higher gain, while physical load decreased or remained the same. An increased level of required task precision was associated with a lower performance, but physical load was not affected. External validity of the simulated crane task seemed sufficient enough to extrapolate the results to practice. A joystick with a short handle is recommended, as this leads to an increased performance whilst the operator's physical load decreases or remains the same. Further optimization of performance and physical load can be achieved by optimizing gain settings of the joystick in relation to the task and type of joystick used.
Subject
Workplace
Lichaamshouding
Lichaamsbeweging
Fysieke arbeidsbelasting
Ergonomie
Kranen
Hefmagneten
Autolaadkranen
Mobiele kranen
Elektrische besturing
Gereedschapswerktuigen
Gereedschappen
Machines
Arbeidsprestatie
Functievervulling
Adult
Electromyography
Hand
Humans
Lifting
Male
Middle Aged
Netherlands
Task Performance and Analysis
United States
User-Computer Interface
Gain
Joystick operation
Kinematics
Performance
Precision
Computer simulation
Cranes
Kinematics
Man machine systems
Optimization
Performance
Display-control gain
Joystick handle size
Task precision
Accuracy
Arm muscle
Controlled study
Crane operator
Equipment design
Ergonomics
External validity
Forearm
Human experiment
Image display
Muscle contraction
Muscle exercise
Operator
Position
Process optimization
Task performance
Workload
Wrist
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:8ff08549-90e8-4572-b81d-fac0a462577c
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130500424102
TNO identifier
154913
Source
Ergonomics, 49 (11), 1021-1035
Document type
article