Citation

Ehlers SG, Field WE. Assist. Technol. 2018; ePub(ePub): 1-8.

Affiliation

Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10400435.2018.1435591

PMID

29443644

Abstract

This research focused on the advancements made in enabling agricultural workers with impaired mobility to access and operate off-road agricultural machinery. Though not a new concept, technological advancements in remote-controlled lifts, electronic actuators, electric over hydraulic controllers, and various modes of hand controls have advanced significantly allowing operators with limited mobility to resume a high level of productivity in agricultural-related enterprises. In the U.S., approximately 1.7% of the population is living with some form of paralysis or significant mobility impairment. When paired with the 2012 USDA Agriculture Census of 3.2 million farmers, it can be extrapolated that these technologies could impact 54,000 agricultural workers who have encountered disabling injuries or disease which inhibit their ability to access and operate tractors, combines and other self-propelled agricultural machines. Advancements in agricultural specific technologies can allow for many of these individuals to regain the ability to effectively operate machinery once more.

Language: en

Keywords

Accessibility; controls; disability; ergonomics; impairment; safety