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. 2016 Sep;22(3):367-73.
doi: 10.1080/10803548.2015.1131069. Epub 2016 Apr 21.

Workstations for people with disabilities: an example of a virtual reality approach

Paweł Budziszewski  1 , Andrzej Grabowski  1 , Marcin Milanowicz  1 , Jarosław Jankowski  1
Affiliations

Workstations for people with disabilities: an example of a virtual reality approach

Paweł Budziszewski et al. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2016 Sep.

Abstract

This article describes a method of adapting workstations for workers with motion disability using computer simulation and virtual reality (VR) techniques. A workstation for grinding spring faces was used as an example. It was adjusted for two people with a disabled right upper extremity. The study had two stages. In the first, a computer human model with a visualization of maximal arm reach and preferred workspace was used to develop a preliminary modification of a virtual workstation. In the second stage, an immersive VR environment was used to assess the virtual workstation and to add further modifications. All modifications were assessed by measuring the efficiency of work and the number of movements involved. The results of the study showed that a computer simulation could be used to determine whether a worker with a disability could access all important areas of a workstation and to propose necessary modifications.

Keywords: adaptation of workstation; people with disabilities; virtual reality.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
A computer human model. Note: 1 = maximal arm reach; 2 = preferred workspace.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
An overall view of the workstation for grinding spring faces.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Important elements of the workstation for grinding spring faces. Note: 1 = grinding machine; 2 = wheel with holes for the springs; 3 = output box; 4 = door of the grinding compartment; 5 = input box; 6 = control panel; 7 = output door.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
A computer model of a disabled person placed in the virtual working environment.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
A computer model of (a) the unmodified workstation and; (b) the workstation with modifications resulting from an analysis with the computer human model.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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