Ergonomics Laboratory

The Ergonomics lab was set up at NITIE at the time of its inception in 1963. The focus of Ergonomics lab at NITIE has been to provide industries and organizations engaged in both manufacturing and service sectors, by incorporating micro and macro ergonomic solutions for improving efficiency of workforce and productivity.

NITIE Ergonomics has achieved milestones in research projects, doctoral dissertations, publications in journals as well as conference (both national and international).

Research Equipment/facility @ NITIE

  • 3D Motion Analysis system - Biomechanical analysis of human movement
  • Foot Pressure Measurement system- Static and Dynamic Foot Pressure Measurement and analysis
  • Biopac Data Acquisition Systems – Recording and analysis of Electromyography (EMG) and Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Lumbar Motion Monitor- Recording and analysis of movement of human lower back to predict the probability of Low Back Disorder (LBD)
  • Ergomaster software – Analysis of working posture
  • Dynamometers – Recording of strength of back muscle, hand and pinch grip of an individual.
  • David Back Concept- Measurement of flexibility and isometric strength of back muscles.
  • Medical Treadmills- Design of exercise protocol for measurement of cardiorespiratory efficiency
  • Bicycle Ergometer - Design of exercise protocol for measurement of cardiorespiratory efficiency
  • Polar Heart Rate Monitor – Recording of heart rate responses during rest and activity
  • Lux Meter- Measurement of illumination level at work place

Objective of Ergonomics @ NITIE

  • Applied research in ergonomics and human factors with specific focus on industrial work system and product design
  • Assessment of occupational workload & stress and develop norms and guidelines for knowledge integrated work

Research areas in the Ergonomics @ NITIE

  • Human performance analysis and design in relation to age and occupation
  • Uses of human intensive technology and regional work culture and work practices
  • Effect of stress/fatigue on human performance, behavior and decision making

Key Activities/projects completed (last 5 years)

  • Workplace improvement study in an Automobile industry
  • Redesigning the palanquin for Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
  • Collaborative research with PEC Chandigarh on backpack design
  • Biomechanical analysis of different modes of load carriage.
  • Ergonomics intervention in Tea plucking activities: Tea collection bag and shear (tea leaf cutting device) have been redesigned and handed over to the company.
  • Workplace improvement in Terracotta handicraft industry:

Ongoing Project

  • Study of workstation and occupational health issues on Glass bangle product manufacturing industries in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh
  • Workplace and process improvements in Cashew processing units
  • Redesigning the palanquin system for use in Kedarnath Temple
  • Industrial workplace improvement study
  • Development of dynamic anthropometry database of Indian population for designing industrial work systems

Centre Contact Address

Prof. Rauf Iqbal
Professor In-Charge, Ergonomics Laboratory
NITIE, Vihar Lake, Powai, Mumbai, India. 400087
Email: raufiqbal@nitie.ac.in
Phone: (022)28035521
Website: www.nitie.ac.in

Activities in Ergonomics laboratory

  • Biomechanical analysis of load carriageBiomechanical analysis of load carriage
  • Testing of lower limb prosthesisTesting of lower limb prosthesis
  • Students research at Ergonomics labStudents research at Ergonomics lab
  • Students research at Ergonomics labStudents research at Ergonomics lab
  • Students research at Ergonomics labStudents research at Ergonomics lab
  • Students research at Ergonomics labStudents research at Ergonomics lab

Field activities for Ergonomics Projects

  • Testing of Temperature sensor in ‘Bhatti’ at Terracotta workTesting of Temperature sensor in ‘Bhatti’ at Terracotta work
  • Field study for Cashew Industry projectField study for Cashew Industry project
  • Field testing of Palkhi prototype and Porter’s jacket at Katra, J&KField testing of Palkhi prototype and Porter’s jacket at Katra, J&K
  • Visit of BRICS country professors in Ergonomics labVisit of BRICS country professors in Ergonomics lab