In the recent years, Advance Manufacturing Technology (AMT) has been widely used in
manufacturing industry to increase manufacturing process capability. However, Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) machine designs have only focused on its operational capability. The
harmonious coordination between users and CNC machines is often neglected, which can contribute
to hazardous working practices that can affect the health of users. Bending posture while loading
the work piece to the machine can cause fatigue and discomfort to the users. Thus, the focus of this
preliminary study is to analyse the effect of CNC machine work piece loading on muscle activity
levels and to determine the effectiveness of roller conveyor in reducing muscle activity levels.
Muscle activity has been analysed using surface electromyography (sEMG) technique. Erector
spinae, biceps and trapezius muscles were concurrently measured during the work piece loading.
Five male subjects (n=5) participated in the pre-intervention study and two subjects (n=2) in the
post-intervention study (roller conveyor implementation) participated to test the effectiveness of the
roller conveyor. Result pre-intervention study found that muscle activity level of biceps was the
highest followed by trapezius and erector spinae. Based on the post-intervention study involving the
roller conveyor, muscle activity of the erector spinae was reduced meanwhile the muscle activity of
biceps and trapezius increased for both subjects
