Abstract
In this study, we analysed ergonomic characteristics of the Metro drivers and their operating position within the cockpit area. Over several weeks, qualitative data was gathered from selected drivers concerning how they use and interact with the space; setting-up their ideal sitting positions.
Although we were not asked to redesign the driver’s seat, the sitting position of each driver played an important role to discover how the driver could access and use other peripheral equipment within the cockpit area. The seat itself had several adjustable options to put the driver in his/her desired position and even with all these options, many drivers still complained about repetitive strain, over-reaching and overall discomfort.
These scenarios were built, tested and recorded in order to evaluate and identify possible improvements for the driver’s operating experience. Particularly, with the need to support the driver’s left operating arm in relation to the speed-lever and reducing wind-shield reflections.
This document presents some of our findings during this procedure and high-lights the constructive parameters with which we applied to our design process.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank everyone involved in this project, the drivers, engineers, managers and director Nuno Aleluia at Porto Metro for this amazing opportunity to work with them on their vehicles and improve the travelling experience for both operators and passengers.
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Aston, J.H., Freire, R.P., Ferreira, J.L., Coelho, R., Simões, J.A. (2019). An Ergonomic Study and Analysis for the Porto Metro Driver Cabin Area. In: Bagnara, S., Tartaglia, R., Albolino, S., Alexander, T., Fujita, Y. (eds) Proceedings of the 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018). IEA 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 824. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96071-5_20
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96071-5_20
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