The Edge System: Ergonomic Design Using Graphic Evaluation

EDGE is a computer-based ergonomic workspace design system which integrates several models of operator performance with a common graphic interface. In addition to serving as a practical design system, it also serves as a research tool for understanding the ergonomic design process in industry. System users include trained ergonomists and engineers responsible for manual workspace design. The design system centers around a core vocabulary of task-related terms. A common input format, modeled after the traditional “work methods table” addresses the input requirements of the varied human performance models. Output from the performance models is displayed on multiple screens in varying levels of detail. Among the measures of physical stress currently integrated into the system are models of biomechanical strength, NIOSH lifting limits, metabolic energy expenditure, and elemental time prediction.