Designing Mudflat Fishing Mobility for Worker Safety and Reduced Physical Strain

Abstract: Haerujil, a traditional shellfish-gathering practice on Korea’s tidal flats, has recently grown as a form of leisure, yet it poses persistent safety risks due to soft and heterogeneous terrain, nighttime activity, and the aging profile of participants. These conditions frequently lead to disorientation, tidal entrapment, and slips or falls. To address these challenges, this study proposes a human-centered mobility design concept that integrates autonomous driving technologies to enhance both safety and convenience in mudflat environments.Drawing on user analysis and environmental constraints, three key design requirements were identified: reducing physical workload, ensuring stable movement on weak terrain, and preventing isolation accidents. To meet these needs, a suspension-equipped track wheel system was developed to minimize ground pressure and enable stable transport of tools and harvested shellfish. An RTK-GPS–based tracking system provides centimeter-level positioning, while a tide-linked alarm delivers staged visual and auditory alerts for stranding prevention. Ergonomic features such as storage compartments and safety handles reduce strain and support user interaction.The design concept was realized through both full-scale mock-ups and scaled functional prototypes, incorporating autonomous navigation, signaling, and safety interfaces. Findings demonstrate the feasibility of mudflat mobility not only as a transport device but as an integrated work-assistance platform that collaborates with users throughout the harvesting process.This research highlights the importance of combining mobility engineering, autonomous navigation, and human factors design to improve the safety and sustainability of traditional coastal practices. Future work will refine the system through field trials, validation of autonomous functions, and deeper integration with wearable interfaces.

Keywords: Haerujil (Traditional Shellfish Gathering), Tidal Flat Mobility, Autonomous Navigation, Human-Centered Design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006867

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