COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- The TEES Texas Center for Applied Technology’s Aircraft Sustainability Laboratory (ASL) in San Antonio has been named runner-up for the Ergo Cup in the training and education category of the 7th Annual Applied Ergonomics Conference. ASL’s entry, "Instant Replay," highlighted method improvements projects in support of lean manufacturing initiatives at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). Because combat helicopters must be ready for action, reducing turnaround time for repair or scheduled maintenance is a sensitive issue within the U.S. Department of Defense. ASL’s research, which observed how the application of ergonomics could increase depot efficiency and prepare the helicopters for combat, provided benefits in time savings, increased productivity and ergonomic function. "Our work at the Corpus Christi Army Depot supports the depot’s mission to overhaul, repair, modify, retrofit, test and modernize helicopters, engines and components for all services and foreign military sales," ALS Manager Dr. John Ayala said. "The combination of 28 full-time researchers, faculty and students -- 24 on-site at CCAD -- is a big part of our success." The Applied Ergonomics Conference lets practitioners learn the latest tools of the trade from professionals. The Ergo Cup is a nationally recognized award sponsored annually by the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina to recognize and encourage the development of innovative ergonomic solutions and education in the workplace. Entrants compete in one of three Ergo Cup categories: team-driven workplace solutions, engineering and ergonomic-driven workplace solutions, and training and education.
