The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) organised a two-day workshop on ‘Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms’ in New Delhi.
The workshop was organised by Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, a DRDO laboratory, to address the need and future roadmap for implementation of Human Factor Engineering in product life cycle of indigenous products.
At the end of the deliberations by stakeholders from Armed Forces, CAPF, Industry and DRDO, a panel discussion was chaired by Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri Dr G Satheesh Reddy. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat; DG Armoured Corps Lt Gen Karanbir Singh Brar; DG ITBP Shri Anish Dayal; ADG Infantry; ADG, Army Design Bureau; ADG, Warship Design Bureau; Director Generals of DRDO and senior officials from Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), MKU, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) were also present.
Recommendations related to inclusion of chapter on Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in design document for all indigenous products and formulation of policy with the involvement of users were made. Generation of Anthropometry database of Indian soldiers and creation of Indian Standards were emphasised by all the panel members.
Dr. Satheesh Reddy suggested inclusion of Human Factors Engineering (HFE), as desirable parameters in Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements (PSQRs). DIPAS has been entrusted with the responsibility to drive implementation of HFE through interaction with stakeholders and formulation of required policies and standards.
The DRDO Chairman emphasised that inclusion of HFE in design and development of indigenous products will be a leap forward towards realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence.
