Ergonomic design of CNC machine for disabled operators

Mechanical Engineering

Various surveys have showed that most people with disability need equal work opportunity, while those with special requirement needs special accommodations. Meanwhile, manpower shortage is becoming more serious in present manufacturing industry and there is less labor work involved in CNC machine operation. Thus, it is a good opportunity for disable people to work in manufacturing industry as CNC operators. In the preliminary research, planned to conduct observation and interview to understand activities of CNC operators with disabilities and to identify the critical factors for developing new design of CNC. We choose VMC (Vertical Machining Centre is a type of CNC machine) for our study because it having some special ergonomically suitable accommodations suited for disabled operators. But operator's performance restricts by the poor design of the machines and the work volume as a result, many people, especially wheelchair users faces barrier for employment opportunities in the various manufacturing industry. To address this problem, on which we will study the workability of a current VMC design and modification. This study also collected data for universal VMC design based on this usability research, the concepts of VMC arthrometric design scenarios were developed and later the concepts will be evaluated. VMC arthrometric design scenarios evaluation will help to develop the new design for wheel chair operators. This study addresses limitations of wheelchair users with respect to CNC without Vertical Machining Centre operation, especially machining Centre, material loading and control panel reaching issues. This study will collect the data about user needs and preferred VMC settings for all users - wheelchair users and people without disabilities. Then, design guidelines will be developed so new design can develop and improve current designs of available VMC for improved safety and performance; re-conceptualize totally new designs of VMC through work reorganization offers very high level of safety and ease of operation for all users. The guidelines will increase direct design attention for modification and produce better designs of VMC and in turn the new machines will offer greater opportunities for employing wheelchair users alongside people without disabilities in the manufacturing industry.

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