HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING ON THE EDGE OF INDUSTRY 4.0: ANALYSIS FOR IOT-AIDED TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Using advanced technologies and devices in human factors engineering (HFE) processes is becoming a rising trend in international arena, regarding Industry 4.0 philosophy and transformation consummation. Transition to this new technology from traditional HFE applications offers many advantages but also refers to the analysis of a very complex set of numerous emerging criteria conflicting in varying directions and dimensions. This study focuses on that enigma and investigates the problem space to facilitate Ergonomics 4.0 transformation process with the employment of fuzzy sets theory, Delphi method and Best-Worst Method (BWM). New technologies and devices introduced within Industry 4.0 era for instrument based ergonomic assessment, occupational health and safety applications, and, physical environment monitoring were addressed as another contribution of this study to Ergonomics 4.0 aspect. An evaluation framework apropos of related challenging decision structures was proposed in the wake of in-depth literature analysis, where, the validated criteria set was clarified with fuzzy Delphi Method. The elucidated criteria list was than observed with BWM to propose a transition period charter. Main and sub-criteria of the problem were scrutinized according to decision hierarchy; local and global importance levels of criteria, and, outcomes regarding different parties of the decision making process were interpreted comparatively in details, and suggestions has been made in the light of multi-dimensional benchmarking debates.