advancing ergonomic cognition in additive manufacturing for furniture design: a study of uthm students

Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing skill requirements, emphasizing problem-based learning that integrates human factors and ergonomics (hfe). this conceptual study introduces ergonomic cognition as a framework to understand how students perceive, respond to, and apply ergonomic principles in simulation-based learning. guided by the ontology of techniques for teaching, learning, and assessment (otilia), the study combines cognitive learning theories with ergonomic reasoning to explore student engagement in design for additive manufacturing (dfam), focusing on co₂ laser cutting. a focus group of 21 final-year students from the bachelor of technology management (furniture design and manufacturing) program at universiti tun hussein onn malaysia participated. data were collected using the think-aloud method and analyzed through prescriptive coding based on studio themes. descriptive statistics were used to track behavior across the three hfe domains: physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics. findings reveal that integrating co₂ laser cutting enhances ergonomic cognition -  improving precision, customization, material efficiency, time management, and the learning curve during 3d miniature furniture production. the results support a triangular prescription framework linking ergonomic reasoning, interactive tools, and iterative design. sustainability competencies were also embedded, prompting students to consider environmental impact, material use, and usability. this approach equips future designers to create eco-conscious, ergonomic, and industry-ready products aligned with sustainable smart manufacturing goals.