We live in a world that is dominated by a sedentary lifestyle, whether it is working in a desk job, browsing our phones or going on long distance drives.

Amar Kundu, our next pathbreaker, Human Factors Engineer & Ergonomist at TVS Motor Company (Bengaluru), works on human-centric fundamental research which will enhance the ride quality, safety and comfort for riders.

Amar talks to  Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about how his PhD program in the area of Ergo-Design at IITB shaped his career and expertise in the field of ergonomics.

For students, there are lots that we are not aware of, so instead of making a plan, be flexible and open to new opportunities that come your way !

Amar, Your background?

Hello, My name is Amar Kundu. I was born in a rural village in Birbhum District in West Bengal. In my childhood, I was an average student who liked to read. I grew up in a village environment where I learned a lesson “sharing is caring”. I focused more on story books rather than study books. I read various books like Indian history, geography, fiction, mythologies etc., which increased my curiosity. During that period, I wanted to be a teacher.

What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?

After my HS (i.e. Class 12), I enrolled myself in the graduation program in Human Physiology. After graduation, I did my Master’s in Human Physiology (Ergonomics and Sports Physiology). I decided to pursue my studies in Ergonomics because I found that it could enhance the working style and reduce the drudgery in the working environment. In my teenage years, I saw and experienced drudgery in the unorganized sector, especially in the agriculture sector, when I was helping my father in cultivation. That was my primary motivation to study ergonomics. In 2013, I enrolled myself for a PhD program in the area of Ergo-Design at IIT Bombay.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career? 

The main reason for choosing this career was the drudgery I experienced in the agricultural sector during my teenage years. Being an Ergonomist, I can deal with and enhance the work environment in a more ergonomic, safer and more productive way. I must say I always had good teachers during all stages of my education. They always motivated me throughout my career. I am grateful to Dr Krishna Roy, Dr Amal Kumar Pari, Dr Prakash Chandra Dhara and Dr Gaur G. Ray. 

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

After my master’s, I joined the Liver Foundation West Bengal, a reputed NGO. As a part of the NGO, I participated in many awareness programs (for Schools, Colleges, Clubs etc.), keeping the mission “Eradication of Hepatitis”. After that, I joined Regional Occupational Health Centre (ROHC) Kolkata as Junior Research Fellow. While working with ROHC, I came to know about the opening at IIT Bombay. I joined IIT Bombay as Ergonomist for a project entitled “Interior design of drivers cab for new EMU rake”. My master’s qualification helped me to get the position, as my special paper was on Ergonomics & Sports Physiology during my MSc. The project’s outcome was designing an ideal workstation for the Indian motorman for Mumbai locals.

While working on the project, I realized that to succeed in the field of ergonomics, doing an ergonomic assessment is not sufficient. By doing an ergonomic assessment, one can assess the work environment status, i.e. how good/bad the workstation is. But after the assessment, there is a need for improvement of the workstation. A combination of ergonomics and design skillsets is essential to do well in this sector. Hence, I enrolled myself in a PhD program in ergo-design. To get admission at IITB, I appeared for the respective departmental admission test (interview & ppt presentation) conducted by IDC – School of Design. The candidates who are coming from Engineering/Design background, need to take 22 credit course during PhD coursework. But the the non-engineering/non-design background candidates need to take 56 credits course during coursework. The candidate can choose the courses from the list of available courses. On successfully completing the course credit requirements, the PhD scholar is granted the confirmation of PhD registration. My PhD work was focused on the traditional brick-making industry. Based on our study, the Gujarat Government issued a notification on October 5, 2021, fixing minimum wages for 490 bricks (i.e. 220% hike), as this is the per day production as determined by the Time Motion Study (My PhD work) [Notification No – KHR/2021/127/LVD/10/2013/755760/M2]. I must thank Prayas Centre for Labor Research and Mahatma Gandhi Labour Institute Ahmedabad who had taken the case to the government. 

How did you get your first break?

I got my first break in my career in 2018. I came to know about an opening in Tata Elxsi, Bangalore. I applied for the position, and after three rounds of interviews, I was selected for the position and was immediately sent to Bombardier Transportation UK, Derby, with onsite job responsibilities.  

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1: Designing a work system always needs a multidisciplinary approach. Various teams work together. There are contradictions between the ergonomics team and other teams with multiple issues that need to be addressed. The main challenge is optimizing and coming to a common decision where the ergonomics of users should be maintained along with other design-related requirements.

Where do you work now? Tell us about your current role

After my PhD, I joined Tata Elxsi as an Ergonomist. During this period, I worked on two live rail projects (CL701 and CL730) for British Rail, United Kingdom. As an ergonomist, I was responsible for checking the Comfort, Human Factors for the Driver as well as the passengers. Currently, I am working as an Ergonomist in a reputed OEM, TVS Motor Company. Due to the nature of the job, I am unable to provide much information outside the company. I can only say that I am doing some human-centric fundamental research which will enhance the ride quality, safety and comfort in future days.

How does your work benefit society? 

The motto of ergonomics is “Fitting the Task”, which means Fit the task according to users. Here, users don’t need to adjust, instead, the task should be adjusted according to the users. Users are the representative of the society. Hence, by making the work ergonomic, the entire society would be benefitted. For example, I am currently doing  ergonomic analysis of two-wheelers; by doing this, we are increasing the comfort and safety of riders.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

The most memorable work that I did was the wage fixation of brick kiln workers by doing a time motion study. In earlier days, brick kiln workers got their wages by making 1000 bricks. But our study proved that to make 1000 bricks, workers take more than 17 hours. According to international labour law, the standard work hours are 8 hours only. Based on our study, the Gujarat Govt issued a notification on October 5, 2021, fixing minimum wages for 490 bricks (i.e. 220% hike).

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Follow your passion and be honest in your career selection. Work hard and with dedication. Believe me, success will come to you.

Future Plans?

I don’t have many plans. I just listen to myself and make decisions accordingly. I just want to grow my expertise in the field of ergonomics and design many ergonomic products. I want to use my skill sets and expertise for mankind.