Human energy consumption during harvesting of saffron flowers

In this paper the oxygen uptake using a metabolic measurement system and energy cost of a human operator during the harvesting of saffron flowers are discussed. The measurement of energy cost was performed for a traditional harvesting handmade activity compared to a harvesting phase with a facilitator machine. In the paper the facilitator machine prototype is described and its mechanical performances are presented. The metabolic measurements layout and results are then discussed, the test protocols are declared and the measures outlined and discussed comparing the energy cost with and without facilitator machine. For the experimental evaluation of the energy consumption a significant number of measurement samples for a statistically reliable evaluation has been used. A quantity synoptic parameter has been proposed for the comparison of energy consumption with and without the facilitator machine.