Revista NEYART
ISSN: 2992 - 7161
Abstract-- This project aims to design and develop an ergonomic glove whose primary objective is to facilitate the
manual shelling of corn cobs. It is focused mainly on small-scale agricultural producers in the northern region of
Sinaloa, Mexico—a key area for corn production—where many people perform this activity for commercialization
or self-consumption. Traditional shelling methods are used, but the conventional manual shelling process is highly
intensive, slow, and exhausting. As a result, it causes fatigue, muscle injuries, skin lesions, and problems such as
tendinitis due to repetitive movements, ultimately leading to low labor efficiency.
The presented study applies principles of ergonomics, anthropometry, and design, which provide essential guidance
for the glove manufacturing process.
The main objective is to design an ergonomic glove tailored to the anthropometric measurements of producers in
northern Sinaloa. The prototype features rounded and reinforced chain links that are securely attached using Plasti-
Steel adhesive to facilitate corn cob shelling. This design focuses on minimizing physical effort, reducing the risk
of injuries, and improving efficiency compared to the traditional methods currently used by small producers in
northern Sinaloa. The prototype glove, based on local anthropometric studies, was developed considering the 0.5
and 0.9 percentiles (hand length 15–18 cm, palm width 9–11 cm, etc.) to ensure a wide, comfortable fit for both
men and women.
The project is viable because it directly addresses fatigue and injuries that affect health and productivity. Existing
tools are neither ergonomic nor accessible (mechanical options are expensive), while the anthropometric design
improves working conditions, promotes sustainability, and respects traditional agricultural practices.
The project demonstrates high viability from a technical perspective (using locally available low-cost materials:
size 7 and 9 gloves, stainless steel chain, Plasti-Steel adhesive; simple process easily replicable in rural settings),
economic perspective (low production costs and savings in health and labor time), practical perspective (intuitive
downward-motion use and high durability), and social perspective (strong community acceptance and improved
quality of life).
Surveys were conducted with 15 producers: 100% use manual methods, 92% experience pain or fatigue, and there
is high willingness to adopt the glove at an average acceptable cost of approximately $300 MXN.
The prototype glove, utilizing 8×12 mm chain links and implementing a downward movement technique for manual
shelling, was tested with users who reported experiencing significantly less fatigue, reduced pain (especially in the
hands and wrists), greater efficiency, improved safety, and enhanced comfort during their work.
Suggested improvements include using smaller-dimension chain links, adding a leather surface to the palm,
reinforcing the seams that secure the links, and avoiding the use of Plasti-Steel for link reinforcement.
100% of users reported significant benefits when using the prototype glove.
Keywords-- Anthropometry, shelling, ergonomics, fatigue, gloves, hand tools, corn cobs, repetitive movements,
prototype, injuries, effort reduction.
INTRODUCCIÓN
El maíz es uno de los cultivos más importantes para la humanidad, especialmente en México, donde su
producción ha sido central en la economía y la alimentación desde tiempos prehispánicos. En el estado de
Sinaloa, la producción de maíz no solo es una fuente de ingreso fundamental, sino que también está
arraigada profundamente en las tradiciones agrícolas locales. A pesar de los avances en tecnología
Edición 4 | Vol. 4 – Núm. 1 | enero – junio 2026 |
Página 387
Artículo de Investigación Original
