Developing a human-centric strategy for the future design of agricultural tractor cabs: optimizing user interaction and ergonomics
| dc.contributor.author | Jeddi, Dorsa | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Brewin, Derek (Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics) | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Jacobson, Natasha (Biosystems Engineering) | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Mann, Danny | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-05T15:29:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-05T15:29:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-08-23 | |
| dc.date.submitted | 2024-09-04T19:11:25Z | en_US |
| dc.degree.discipline | Biosystems Engineering | |
| dc.degree.level | Master of Science (M.Sc.) | |
| dc.description.abstract | The evolution of tractor cab design has transitioned from a focus solely on functionality to a more holistic approach that prioritizes human-centered design principles. This research delves into the ergonomic considerations necessary for the design of semi-autonomous tractor cabs, aiming to enhance operator comfort, safety, and efficiency. The study begins by exploring ergonomic shortcomings in current tractor cab designs, highlighting issues such as awkward seating postures, frequent neck and back twisting. Observational techniques, usability assessments, and interviews with design engineers were employed to gain insights into these ergonomic challenges. The study also incorporates anthropometric modeling to understand the active range of motion for key joints, classifying these movements into comfortable, acceptable, and unsatisfactory zones. The RAMSIS software was employed for evaluating comfort and discomfort as well as determining the optimal visual field. This information is vital for guiding the placement of controls and features within the cab, ensuring that human comfort is prioritized. The research further ranks tasks performed by operators in both on-road and field modes, evaluating them based on frequency of use, task priority, and safety concerns. This prioritization guides the strategic placement of controls, ensuring that high-priority tasks are easily accessible. Recommendations are provided for the optimal placement of features, such as speed control, steering, and emergency systems, within the operator's comfort zones. The study also emphasizes the need for adjustable features to accommodate different operator sizes and preferences. This research provides a comprehensive framework for the human-centered design of semi-autonomous tractor cabs. By integrating ergonomic principles and prioritizing operator needs, the proposed design aims to enhance the overall user experience, ensuring that future tractor cabs are not only functional but also comfortable and safe for operators. | |
| dc.description.note | October 2024 | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Half of the funding for this project was received by Buhler Versatile. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1993/38517 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.rights | open access | en_US |
| dc.subject | Human-centered design | |
| dc.subject | Semi-autonomous tractors, | |
| dc.subject | Tractor cab ergonomics | |
| dc.subject | Comfort and discomfort assessment | |
| dc.subject | Control placement. | |
| dc.title | Developing a human-centric strategy for the future design of agricultural tractor cabs: optimizing user interaction and ergonomics | |
| dc.type | master thesis | en_US |
| local.subject.manitoba | no | |
| oaire.awardTitle | Mitacs Accelerate Program | |
| project.funder.name | Mitacs |