Human factors automatic evaluation for entire maintenance processes in virtual environment

Purpose - The paper aims to propose a systematic approach for human factors (HFs) automatic evaluation for entire maintenance processes in virtual environment. Design/methodology/approach - First, a maintenance process information model is constructed to map real maintenance processes into computer environment. Next, based on this information model, the automatic evaluation methods for visibility, operation comfort and reachability are presented. All evaluation results are weighted and added up to establish a comprehensive HFs evaluation model. Then, the methods mentioned above are realized as an HFs evaluation module, which is integrated into virtual maintenance simulation platform, software developed by our lab. Findings - An application in HFs evaluation of repairing hydraulic motor on container spreader is implemented, and an on-site survey is carried out. The comparison between the result from the survey and the result we get using the presented methods shows that our solution can support HFs fast assessment accurately and effectively. Practical implications - Through evaluating maintenance operation processes, engineers can better analyze and validate the maintainability design of complex equipment, and some potential ergonomic issues can be found and dealt earlier. Originality/value - The paper contributes to present a systematic approach to achieve HFs fast and accurate evaluation for entire maintenance processes, rather than for a few maintenance postures.