Free Smartphone Apps to Support Human Factors/Ergonomics Work

Abstract

How can ergonomics professionals and students measure sound levels, light levels, and so forth when they don’t have access to the specialized equipment needed for that purpose? This article explores using free iPhone and Android apps. We found that most sound-level applications were acceptable (within about 2 dB or less), but the illumination applications were unacceptably inaccurate, in some cases off by 50%. The merits of other apps are also described, and sources for various applications, including biomechanical analysis (e.g., RULA, REBA), are provided.