Ergonomic Evaluation of a Walk‐Behind AI‐Based Cotton Fertilizer Applicator

Abstract

The mechanization of agricultural operations greatly influences both the efficiency of farming operations and the health and safety of farm workers. Human exposure to working environments represents a significant hazard associated with machines and the environment. This research focuses on evaluating the ergonomic aspects of the newly developed artificial intelligence (AI)‐based cotton fertilizer applicator, aiming to assess the potential impact on workers' health, safety, and overall exertion. Ergonomic factors such as heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), energy expenditure rate (EER), physiological work cost, as well as discomfort and posture during use, were assessed at three different operating speeds of the applicator. Results showed that HRs, OCR, and EER ranged from 86 to 109 beats/min, 0.44 to 0.83 L/min, and 9.3 to 17.45 kJ/min, respectively, indicating that the physical demands on workers were within manageable limits. Discomfort was predominantly noted in the palms, attributed to the necessity of controlling the applicator with both hands. Analysis of cardiac effort revealed that 93.75%, 92.70%, and 94.67% of effort was expended during work at speeds of 0.5, 0.8, and 1 km/h, respectively, with the remainder during recovery periods. The workload on the middle deltoid muscle during field operation varied between 10.15%–14.58% for left‐hand controls and 1.85%–3.5% for right‐hand controls. Statistical analysis highlighted significant differences in physiological responses among participants, with ergonomic parameters closely linked to the applicator's forward speed. The study concludes using the developed AI‐based cotton fertilizer applicator does not pose significant health risks to operators, suggesting its ergonomic design effectively mitigates physical strain.