Mental Workload Assessment in Visual-Mechanical Inspection Tasks: Insights from the Electronics Manufacturing Industry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/Keywords:
Visual-Mechanical Inspection (VMI), Mental Workload, Eye Metrics, Subjective Assessment, Electronics ManufacturingAbstract
The increasing complexity of tasks in modern manufacturing environments has elevated cognitive demands on workers, particularly in operations requiring precise visual-motor coordination. This study investigates mental workload in visual-mechanical inspection (VMI) tasks within the electronics manufacturing industry by integrating subjective and objective workload assessments. Twenty trained female operators participated in a structured experimental protocol involving VMI tasks categorized into three levels of complexity: low, medium, and high. Mental workload was evaluated using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and physiological indicators were assessed via eye-tracking metrics, including pupil dilation, blink rate, and fixation rate. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in mental workload scores and eye-tracking responses across task complexities. Specifically, higher task complexity was associated with increased pupil size, elevated blink rates, and reduced fixation rates, indicating heightened cognitive demand. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between subjective workload ratings and eye-tracking metrics, particularly under high complexity conditions. The results emphasize the importance of integrating both subjective and objective measures to achieve a comprehensive understanding of cognitive load in VMI tasks. These insights offer practical implications for managing the workforce, designing ergonomic tasks, and monitoring cognitive load in precision-focused manufacturing environments.
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