Ergoneering 2021: Innovation in an Ever-Changing World – When In Manila

Written by: Raymond Coronel II and Roswell Siy

On August 27 and 28, the Industrial Management Engineering Society and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of the Philippines held their annual flagship event called Ergoneering 2021: Innovation in an Ever-Changing World. It was streamed live on Facebook and aimed to empower engineering students and professionals alike. With a central theme of creating designs that meet the needs of this world’s rapidly changing environment, Ergoneering 2021 gathered over 1200 attendees and 10 product design competition teams from the Philippines and around the world. Day 1 featured the final presentations of the top 5 product design teams, and Day 2 boasted 4 resource speakers who imparted their knowledge in the field of ergonomics and product design.

Out of the 5 finalist teams that presented their product pitch on Day 1, 3 teams rose to the top and were crowned the winners. A team from Adamson University garnered 3rd place with their concept of an eco-friendly smart lamp. Coming in 2nd place is a team from De La Salle University – Manila that presented an ergonomic table suitable for students and young professionals. The top spot in the competition was given to a team also from De La Salle University – Manila and their collapsible work pod that aims to solve the blurring line between personal and professional life. They were also given cash prizes for their outstanding designs. 

Day 2 showcased talks from ergonomics experts from around the world to share their knowledge on the multifaceted nature of the discipline. The half-day event featured Dr. Lakhwinder Pal Singh from India, who spoke on how ergonomic innovations is a need of high priority; Dr. Stephen Poon from Malaysia, where he discussed how AI is impacting the future of virtually every industry; Mr. Rey Luciano Soliven, who focused on the use of bamboo as a sustainable building material; and Dr. Rosemary Seva wherein she demonstrated the hidden power of effective products and environment.

The Industrial Management Engineering Society and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of the Philippines would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the participants, ambassadors, speakers, sponsors and media partners for the support and the contributions they have given for the success of this event.