Human Science Division

Profile

The Human Sciences Division consists of three laboratories: Safety Psychology, Ergonomics, and Comfort Science and Engineering. We are responsible for all human factors-related research and development aimed at improving railway safety and comfort. In addition, the department utilizes insights from human sciences to provide technical guidance for aptitude testing and support safety initiatives.

Introduction

The Human Sciences Division conducts research aimed at improving the safety, convenience, and comfort of railways by understanding and elucidating the psychological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics—that is, the human factors—of all individuals involved in railway systems.
Our research focuses on three main areas: “prevention of accidents caused by human error,” “measures to mitigate damage in the event of an accident,” and “improvement of user services.” Within this framework, we conduct research on safety management support, fostering a safety-conscious workplace culture and supporting safety initiatives, driver support, methods to mitigate damage in the event of a train collision, evaluations of comfort and hygiene in stations and on trains, as well as measures to address external factors that threaten safe and stable transportation, such as level crossing accidents and collisions with wildlife.
Moving forward, we will continue to pursue the essence of human factors by leveraging the latest data analysis and human modeling technologies, while maintaining a human-centered approach, and we will advance research and development that contributes to the realization of safe, secure, comfortable, and sustainable railway systems.

Hiroharu Endoh - Director, Human Science Division

Laboratories and their field

Safety Psychology

Safety Psychology laboratory is in charge of research on aptitude tests and safety training methods as measures to prevent accidents caused by employee human error, as well as on ensuring user peace of mind.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics laboratory is in charge of research on improving vehicle safety and the usability of facilities for passengers, as well as enhancing the working environment for employees and developing education and training systems.

Comfort Science and Engineering

Comfort Science and Engineering laboratory is in charge of research on the evaluation of air conditioning, vibration, and ride comfort on trains; accessibility measures; improvements to the sanitary environment, including infection prevention; assessment of magnetic field conditions; and measures to prevent collisions with deer and damage caused by vegetation.

Research Division

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