Janelle Haines is the Ergonomic Analyst at John Deere Harvester Works. She works specifically in the safety group and is in charge of all ergonomic processes for manufacturing, in addition to running John Deere Harvester Works’ virtual reality lab. Janelle evaluates new machine designs for manufacturing and also assesses assembly feasibility using VR technologies. Using these methods, high risk processes are able to be identified and corrected before they pose a problem on the shop floor. The use of ergonomic evaluations aided by VR technology has proven to be extremely valuable in reducing injuries and improving the safety of the production employees.

Janelle started her career at John Deere Dubuque Works where she was introduced to Deere’s virtual reality technologies. After spending several months working directly with the VR group, she transitioned to the safety department where the connection between manufacturing and virtual reality was made. Janelle studied at the University of Iowa where she earned a B.S in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on Ergonomics and Biomechanics.

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