Master’s in Heavy Machinery Cab Ergonomics Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in heavy machinery cab ergonomics engineering, with 12 modules covering anthropometry (ISO 3411), biomechanics and postures, seats, whole-body vibration (ISO 2631-1, Directive 2002/44/EC), controls and armrests, access systems, cab environment, visibility, ergonomic evaluation and cab redesign, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Apply anthropometry to the design of the operator workstation.
Assess postures using the RULA and REBA methods.
Select seats according to vibration transmissibility.
Measure and reduce exposure to whole-body vibration.
Design ergonomic controls, access systems and armrests.
Assess the thermal, acoustic and visual environment of the cab.
Propose cab redesigns validated with operators.
Who it's for
- Product ergonomics engineers working on construction, mining or agricultural machinery.
- Machinery cab designers integrating ergonomic requirements.
- Occupational health and safety technicians specialising in ergonomics.
- Vibration and comfort engineers working on seats and suspension.
- Human factors researchers studying operator health and performance.
- Industrial ergonomics consultants auditing fleets and workstations.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the construction machinery sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 3411 (physical dimensions of operators)
- ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration)
- Directive 2002/44/EC (vibration)
- ISO 7096 (seat-transmitted vibration)
- ISO 2867 (access systems)
- ISO 5006 (operator visibility)
- ISO 6396 (noise at the operator's position)
- ISO 14269-2 (operator enclosure environment)
- Siemens Jack
- RAMSIS
- Xsens MVN Analyze
- Svantek SvanPC++
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Physical, cognitive and organisational ergonomics1.2Profile of the heavy machinery operator1.3Musculoskeletal disorders in operators1.4Long shifts and cumulative exposure1.5Critical tasks of an excavator and a dump truck1.6Epidemiological data for the sector1.7Cost of poor ergonomics1.8Ergonomic regulatory framework1.9Ergonomic design as a commercial advantage1.10Case study: ergonomic diagnosis of a fleet
2.1Anthropometric databases2.25th and 95th design percentiles2.3Operator dimensions to ISO 34112.4Operator space envelope to ISO 34112.5Control reach zones2.6Clearances for winter clothing and PPE2.7Operator diversity and gender2.8Digital modelling with mannequins2.9Validation with real users2.10Lab: reach envelope with a digital mannequin
3.1Awkward postures in the cab3.2Trunk rotation when looking back3.3Load on the lumbar spine3.4Neck and upward vision3.5Repetitive wrist movements3.6RULA and REBA methods3.7Motion capture in the cab3.8Surface electromyography3.9Posture corrective measures3.10Practical: REBA assessment of an excavator operator
4.1Functional seat requirements4.2Mechanical and pneumatic suspension4.3Active and semi-active suspension4.4Height, depth and backrest adjustments4.5Adjustable lumbar support4.6Swivelling and rotating seats4.7Seat vibration transmissibility4.8Testing to ISO 70964.9Seat selection by machine4.10Lab: bench transmissibility test of a seat
5.1Sources of vibration in machinery5.2Measurement to ISO 2631-15.3Daily exposure values5.4Directive 2002/44/EC on vibration5.5Shock vibration in dump trucks5.6Health effects5.7Cab isolation5.8Speed and haul road condition5.9Exposure reduction plans5.10Case study: exposure of an articulated dump truck operator
6.1Types of controls in machinery6.2Multifunction joysticks and keypads6.3Coding controls by shape and colour6.4Standardised control patterns6.5Actuation forces6.6Armrests with integrated controls6.7Pedals and their ergonomics6.8Preventing unintended actuation6.9Control usability testing6.10Workshop: redesign of a control armrest
7.1Means of access to the cab7.2ISO 2867 requirements7.3Steps, handrails and platforms7.4Three points of contact7.5Doors and passage width7.6Falls when climbing on and off7.7Access for daily maintenance7.8Emergency exits7.9Access for operators with limitations7.10Practical: access audit of a loader
8.1Thermal comfort in the cab8.2Operator environment to ISO 142698.3Noise at the operator's ear8.4Measurement to ISO 63968.5Interior lighting and glare8.6Reflections on screens and glass8.7Indoor air quality8.8Respirable dust and silica8.9Environmental improvement measures8.10Lab: noise and temperature measurement in a cab
9.1Operator field of view9.2ISO 5006 test method9.3Blind spots around the machine9.4Cab pillars and their effect9.5Complementary mirrors and cameras9.6Night-time visibility with work lighting9.7Visibility of the work tool9.8Visibility simulation in CAD9.9Field testing9.10Practical: visibility map of an excavator
10.1Ergonomic checklists10.2Evaluation with operators in the field10.3Machinery simulators10.4Musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaires10.5Seat comfort scales10.6Objective evaluation with sensors10.7Statistical analysis of results10.8Prioritisation of improvements10.9Evaluation reports10.10Case study: comparative evaluation of two cabs
11.1Design process for a new cab11.2Integration of ergonomic requirements11.3Full-scale physical mock-ups11.4Virtual reality in cab design11.5Iterations with operators11.6Redesign of existing cabs11.7Upgrade kits for fleets11.8Costs and return on ergonomics11.9Communicating improvements to the customer11.10Case study: cab redesign for a motor grader
12.1Selection of machine and operators12.2Initial ergonomic diagnosis12.3Anthropometric analysis of the workstation12.4Assessment of postures and vibration12.5Redesign proposal12.6User evaluation12.7Cost-benefit analysis12.8Implementation plan12.9Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Siemens Jack, RAMSIS, Xsens MVN Analyze and Svantek SvanPC++, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for postural assessments of operators, whole-body vibration measurement and cab access audits. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 3411, ISO 2631-1, Directive 2002/44/EC, ISO 7096, ISO 2867, ISO 5006, ISO 6396, ISO 14269-2.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Siemens Jack, RAMSIS, Xsens MVN Analyze and Svantek SvanPC++, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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