Virtual Reality Techniques in Workplace Design and Ergonomic Assessment

This literature review examines the use of virtual reality in ergonomic risk assessment in workplace design using a rigorous methodology to evaluate literature from seven databases and journals. The review identified 4,377 records, of which nineteen used virtual reality to simulate complex work environments, such as manufacturing floors and office spaces, utilizing motion tracking and risk assessment methods, including the Ergonomic Assessment Worksheet (EAWS) or CUELA (German acronym for Computer-aided recording and long-term analysis of musculoskeletal system loads). The research suggests that integrating virtual reality with established ergonomic assessment methods holds promise for enhancing their efficacy. However, it also highlights the limitations of current virtual reality simulation tools in implementing realistic interactions with the working environment. The importance of this review lies in its capacity to synthesize and structure a previously fragmented field, providing researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive overview of current approaches, challenges, and opportunities in VR-based ergonomic risk assessment. It concludes that virtual reality has high potential but requires further research to fully realize its benefits in designing ergonomic workplaces, conducting thorough ergonomic evaluations, and being integrated into occupational health and safety on a large scale.