The Research in Ergonomics and Design Lab’s (RED Lab) is located in Leazar Hall surrounded by industrial design studios. The RED Lab research projects focus on investigating different aspects of a task being performed: the physical requirements to accomplish a task, and the effort required by a person to accomplish a task. Although the previous two descriptions do not sound very different, they answer different questions and require different equipment and methods of data collection and analysis. In many situations a combination of these approaches is required to address real world situations. The resources available at RED Lab are highlighted in the assessment capabilities (product, process and place evaluations) and equipment summary table. Our purpose is to provide answers to the technically difficult questions that are asked about the manner in which people interact and react to products and processes. Investigations in the RED Lab consistently recruit participants’ representative of the potential user population. Hence, our researchers recruit study participants beyond the traditional ready sample population of young, healthy, able-bodied students.
| Data Type | Typical Methods/Equipment for Collecting Data |
| Muscle Activity | BioPac™ Electromyography (surface) System, |
| Torque Generation | BTE Work Simulator II™, Sensing Systems Torque Meter |
| Posture and Joint Deviation | BTE Work Simulator II™, Goniometers, Ascension Motionstar™, Postural Video Analysis |
| Force Application | BTE Work Simulator II™ Load Cell, Tekscan Pressure Arrays™, AliMed Dynamometer, Chatillon Dynamomter, AMTI Force Platforms, Digital Force Gage, Small and Medium Loadcells |
Other Evaluation Equipment
- B and K Equipment (senses vibration)
- BRG Pocket Ergometer (senses muscle activity)
- Divilbiss Random Reminders™,
- AcqKnowledge 4.1
- PeopleSize 2000
- Dynamic Human 3D Visual Guide to Anatomy and Physiology
- LitCor Writing Skills Evaluation Software
- Anthropomorphic Manikin
- 2 Sony Digital CamCorders
- 2 Olympus Digital Cameras
- Audio Recorder
- 10 lb Dymo digital scale
- General scale
- Stethescope and blood pressure cuff
- Divilbiss Random Reminders™, Metrosonics Metrologger™,
- 3D Static Strength Prediction Program™ (Univ. of Michigan)
- Energy Expenditure Prediction Program™ (Univ. of Michigan)
- NextGen Ergo Suite (RULE, REBA, Strain Index)
- Aging Simulation Suits
- Obesity Simulation Suit
- Hospital gurney, 2 assistive walkers
- 4 sets of adjustable shelving units
- Vacuum Seal Bag System
- Rotary Tool Kit
- Weller Soldering Station
- 7-piece Propane Torch Kit
- Participant Securment Platform (standing, seated, wheelchair user ready)
Zephyr BioHarness Data Channels:
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