Innovative designs in physical ergonomics using nanotechnology: state of the art
Code: G-1116
Authors: Nafiseh Nasirzadeh ℗, Soqrat Omari Shekaftik ©, Mahdi Mohammadiyan
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Abstract:
Introduction
In recent years, the use of nanotechnology has been considered as the one of new approach for successful design. Nanotechnology is defined as understanding, manipulation, and controlling of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new structures, materials, and devices with unique new characteristics. Nowadays, combining "Nanotechnology" and "Ergonomics" has been known as "Nano-ergonomics". Nano-ergonomics involves employment of nanotechnology to fit jobs to human. In fact, nano-ergonomics can help to develop more comfortable condition in workplaces. So, nano-ergonomics is a new field of intervention for ergonomists based on applications of nanotechnology to develop working situations. So, the aim of this study was to manage a systematic review study about using nanotechnology as an approach in physical ergonomics designs.
Methods and Materials / Case Report
The aim of this study was to try to answer this question: “How nanotechnology is beneficial for physical ergonomics?” The search strategy was managed according cochrane guideline. Search strategy was provided by the main search terms including “Nanotechnology", "Nanomaterial", and "Nanoparticle" combined with “Ergonomics” and "Human factors", in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences (WOS) databases, without considering time limit. Also, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and manual search through references of articles were used to identify additional documents. Also, considering the importance of commercialization of nano-ergonomic products, their global footprints in some popular sales companies such as Amazon and Kulik were researched. After conducting initial search and considering inclusion criteria, main documents were selected. A list of articles was provided by EndNote X9® (Thomson Reuters, Toronto, Canada) software and finally, Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline was used as a method for analyzing documents.
Results
32 documents were achieved in initial search. By considering the limitations, finally, 6 studies were regarded as appropriate from 2012-2020. The results of these study showed that, in the field of physical ergonomics, nanotechnology is commonly used to design chairs, computer parts manufacturing, food packaging containers, and manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hearing, respiratory, heat, cold, and radiation protection devices. Also, some popular companies such as Amazon and Kulik offer nano-ergonomic productions. Nano-ergonomic chair and computer parts are the commercial famous products. Some studies reported that PPEs can influence on cognitive and physical performance during performing work tasks. For example, nanotextile-based PPEs have currently developed for many applications such as manufacturing protective clothing against ultraviolet (UV) ray from the sun, fire, heat and cold and recently as diffusion barrier against COVID-19. Waterproof work nano-gloves are suitable for dry and humid weather and they can provide comfortability and flexibility for workers, where need to prevent surface wetting and water penetration. Ergonomics researchers are now trying to overcome heat stress problems. Nanotechnology in combine with ergonomics can be more effective in development of firemen's clothing.
Conclusion
This study shows that nanotechnology has developed in designs based on physical ergonomics. Although there is the lack of studies in this field, it is obvious that it can be a positive step toward more protection of workers' health.
Key Words
Nanotechnology; Design; Physical ergonomics
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