BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:Linklings LLC
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
X-LIC-LOCATION:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:19700308T020000
RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=3;BYDAY=2SU
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:19701101T020000
RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=11;BYDAY=1SU
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20251016T135151Z
LOCATION:Riverside East
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T183000
UID:HFESAM_ASPIRE 2025_sess131_POST417@linklings.com
SUMMARY:Factors Affecting the Integration of Lift Assists in Automotive As
 sembly: Operator Perspectives
DESCRIPTION:Ahmad Raza Usmani and Sunwook Kim (Virginia Polytechnic Instit
 ute and State University), Marty Smets (Ford Motor Company), and Maury Nus
 sbaum Nussbaum (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)\n\nAu
 tomotive assembly workers face high risks of low back pain (LBP) due to fr
 equent material handling (MH) tasks. Lift assists (LAs) potentially reduce
  these risks by offsetting gravitational forces while allowing operator co
 ntrol. However, integrating LAs remains challenging, and operator perspect
 ives remain largely unexplored. We interviewed 16 automotive assembly oper
 ators to identify challenges, limitations, and preferences related to LA u
 se. Content analysis revealed seven themes, grouped into two categories: U
 sability Factors and Concerns. Usability Factors included Hand Controls, O
 perational Functions, Physical Design, Workflow Efficiency, and Stakeholde
 r Integration. Operators highlighted the need for fewer buttons with ergon
 omic controls, efficient maneuverability, and improved part manipulation. 
 Training was critical for developing proficiency. Bulky and heavy LAs were
  criticized for increased physical demands, and poor maintenance disrupted
  workflows. Concerns included safety risks—such as falling payloads, pinch
  points, and obstruction hazards—and physical exertion in the back, should
 er, and lower limbs. Our findings suggest that improving LA usability requ
 ires early collaboration among engineers, ergonomists, designers, and oper
 ators, with emphasis on simple hand controls, smooth maneuverability, and 
 light-weight designs. Comprehensive training and regular maintenance are a
 lso essential. Future research will quantify the effects of different LAs 
 and task factors on physical demands and workflow efficiency.\n\n
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR