Virtual Reality-Motion Capture-Based Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Workstation Designs of Construction Manufacturing Facilities

Despite the utilization of automated equipment, workers in construction manufacturing facilities are often exposed to high physical demands. These demands are associated with the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). To control the degree to which workers are exposed to the risk of developing WMSDs, ergonomic risks associated with tasks performed at workstations should be identified and prevented in the early stages of workstation design. The application of virtual reality (VR) techniques facilitates the simulation of real operational settings in a safe and controlled environment, thereby allowing the identification of ergonomic risks associated with workstation design. In this context, this study proposes an approach that integrates a virtual reality environment with a motion capture system to evaluate workstation design options. By identifying ergonomic risk ratings proactively in the initial phases of workstation design, the number of iterations required using physical prototypes is thus minimized, thereby reducing the cost and time required to develop and implement an improved workstation design. To demonstrate the proposed approach, a research experiment of window hardware installation is conducted to compare the ergonomic risks associated with two workstation design options. Information on body motion is collected using a motion capture system and assessed using two existing risk assessment methods, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment and Rapid Entire Body Assessment; as a result, tasks with high ergonomic risks are identified and a design option is selected. This research will aid in providing an alternative approach to selecting a workstation design option in the early design phase.