Papers
1
Total Citations
25
H-Index
1
About
Chiko Kikuchi is a leading researcher in agricultural ergonomics and human–machine interaction, with a focus on reducing physical strain in specialty crop farming. Her most cited work, "Workload Assessment with Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) in Japanese Vineyards with Focus on Pruning and Berry Thinning Operations" (2012, 25 citations), pioneered the application of the OWAS method to viticulture, systematically identifying high-risk postures during grape berry thinning and pruning. This study directly informed the adaptation of wearable robotic suits—originally designed for human care—to agricultural tasks, marking a significant contribution to the emerging field of agricultural exoskeletons. By combining ergonomic assessment with technology transfer, Kikuchi’s research provides evidence-based guidelines for reducing musculoskeletal injuries among vineyard workers. Her work bridges occupational health and precision agriculture, demonstrating how posture analysis can drive the design of assistive devices. With a growing citation impact, Kikuchi’s studies are essential reading for researchers in ergonomics, agricultural engineering, and human–robot collaboration, offering practical solutions to the physical demands of specialty crop production.
Research Focus
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