Kouki Sotta
Papers
1
Total Citations
25
H-Index
1
About
Kouki Sotta is a researcher whose work lies at the intersection of agricultural ergonomics and human-assistive technology. His primary research focus is on assessing and mitigating the physical workload of farm laborers, particularly in specialized horticulture. Sotta’s most cited study, "Workload Assessment with Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) in Japanese Vineyards with Focus on Pruning and Berry Thinning Operations" (2012, 25 citations), represents a foundational contribution to this field. In this work, he conducted a questionnaire survey in Yamanashi Prefecture to evaluate the physical strain of specific vineyard tasks, such as berry thinning and pruning. The critical insight from his research was that these operations impose a heavy workload on farmers, a finding that directly informed the adaptation of a wearable robotic suit—originally developed for human care assistance—for agricultural use. By systematically documenting postural stress using the OWAS method, Sotta provided the empirical evidence needed to justify and guide the application of exoskeleton technology in farming. His work is notable for bridging the gap between labor assessment and practical ergonomic intervention, demonstrating a clear pathway from identifying a problem to proposing a technological solution that can enhance worker well-being and productivity in agriculture.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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