Research & Development

ETC's active Research and Development has created several unique, patented hardware and software systems for the evaluation and management of ergonomic programs to continually improve the scientific methods for applied ergonomics.

Technologies & Methods

Ergonomic Technologies Corporation strives to utilize existing resources and provide only the services necessary to augment internal capabilities for workplace analysis and for workplace and job improvement. Our research equipment is always state of the art and currently includes the following to measure the biomechanical exposures produced by work methods and equipment:

• Four channels of EMG
• Two 3D Penny & Giles goniometer channels
• Up to sixteen channels of force sensing resistors (FSRs)

This device is tethered to a portable PC that acts as the data logger, no AD/DA board is required.

This type of device has been used for data collection in the field including fork truck operators during the assessment of new multifunctional controls, and truck drivers in testing automatic versus manual transmissions. This product is has also been used in ETCs' product lab for the testing of various hand and power tools, furniture systems, surgical instruments, and bar code scanners. This product is not for sale and is used by ETC exclusively. PMM Patent Pending, ETC, 1996

Three Dimensional Human Biomechanical Modeling

ETC utilizes a computer biomechanical modeling program (University of Michigan 3D Static Strength to predict the percentage of the population that has the necessary strength requirements to perform a given task in a fixed (static) posture and to predict the likelihood of an acute injury. This analysis is also used to determine whether the task exceeds the back compression design limit (BCDL) or the back compression upper limit (BCUL) set by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Physiological Work Capacity Prediction

ETC uses an energy expenditure model (University of Michigan Energy Expenditure Prediction Program) based on task activities, gender and operator weight data to estimate metabolic workload of a job requirement. This data can then be used to determine staffing or rest requirements for a specific job as well as gauge the effectiveness of solutions in reducing the overall physiological workload of the job. Portable heart rate monitoring is often utilized to measure the physiologic response to work-related activities. Performance information can be recorded over the course of the day at 5 second, 15 second, and 60 second intervals and then downloaded into an IBM compatible computer for long term analysis.

Applied Muscle Effort Measurement (Electromyography- EMG)

ETC uses multi-surface EMG, a convenient non-invasive method, to measure muscle activity under different postural and task conditions. This objective data can often help to identify harmful actions and provide alternative work methods. Mechanical grip dynamometers are used to measure static strength of individuals in conjunction with EMG data to aid in the interpretation of the data.

Hand/Wrist and Body Posture Measurement

ETC utilizes digital goniometry for the measurement and recording on a PC of limb angular movement. The sensors are attached across the joint with medical adhesive tape or are worn on a flexible wrist splint. This goniometric system is used by ETC to measure wrist-flexion, extension, ulnar, radial deviation, knee-flexion, extension, hip-flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and elbow-flexion, extension. The data is then analyzed to determine the number of movements and the range of movements induced by a particular set of job tasks, tools or equipment interface.

To perform a dynamic assessment of work environments and clinical ROM testing, ETC utilizes a Lumbar Motion Meter (LMM- Chattanooga Group). The LMM was developed to measure the motion factors that, in combination, cause work-related low back disorders. This computerized monitoring device can be worn easily by workers on the job site to measure their trunk motion as they perform their required work tasks.

The LMM measures range of motion, velocity of motion and acceleration of these tasks and how they affect the lumbar spine. The LMM provides a risk prediction model that is based on 5 years of research of actual high risk jobs. The LMM can also be used for clinical testing to measure a patient/employee's range of motion (ROM), velocity and acceleration for accurate disability determination.

Whole Body and Hand Arm Vibration Measurement

Systems for human vibration analysis for comparison to ANSI, ISO, NIOSH and ACGIH-TLV standards are used by ETC in aiding in the development of specific exposure guidelines for a particular task and tool combination. The results from this analysis also allow for a comparison between various tools and how anti-vibration gloves and other products can affect the vibration characteristics of the tool operator interface. ETC conducts hand-arm and whole body vibration assessments.

Anthropometric Analysis of "Fit" for Global User Population

To evaluate and test the efficacy of design recommendations, ETC uses two humanCAD modeling systems (Mannequin and Poser) and up to date anthropometric data from various sources. These systems allow the specification of exact anthropometric requirements for various body parts and test design alternatives for specific anthropometric populations. Available populations include 1st through 99th percentile males and females from the U.S., Britain, Germany, France, Sweden, Poland, Hong Kong, India, Switzerland and Japan.

Statistical modeling for human comfort prediction

ETC uses sophisticated regression analysis methods and statistical techniques to analyze the design and use characteristics of a piece of equipment, tool or product. The goal is to isolate the factors which contribute to user comfort and performance.