A Comparative Study of Korean and American Anthropometric Data for the Ergonomic Improvement of SEMI S8

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the suitability of SEMI S8 ergonomic standards for semiconductor equipment design by comparing them with recent anthropometric data from South Korea and the United States.<br/><br/>Background: SEMI S8 provides ergonomic guidelines for semiconductor manufacturing equipment based largely on outdated U.S. military and Western population data. However, national anthropometric differences—particularly between Asia and the West—can significantly impact safety, reachability, and comfort in equipment use. With Korea's growing semiconductor industry, localized ergonomic adaptations are urgently needed.<br/><br/>Method: Anthropometric data used in SEMI S8 were compared with updated datasets from Korea (SizeKorea, 2024) and the U.S. (Garrett, Gordon et al., CDC 2008). Analyses focused on 5th percentile females and 95th percentile males across standing, seated, and reach dimensions. Differences were calculated to evaluate deviations in physical compatibility with SEMI S8 values.<br/><br/>Results: Korean and U.S. anthropometric values both deviated from SEMI S8 standards. Korean females showed an average increase of 53.8mm in standing dimensions compared to SEMI S8, while U.S. females required a 29.8mm increase. Korean males were on average 43.2mm smaller in standing dimensions than SEMI S8, while U.S. males were 32.8mm smaller. Similar trends were found in seated and reach dimensions. Notably, both countries exceeded SEMI S8 vertical reach values in most cases, but forward reach differences varied by sex and nation.<br/><br/>Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that SEMI S8 standards do not fully reflect the current anthropometric profiles of either Korea or the U.S. National customization of ergonomic design standards is necessary to mitigate musculoskeletal risks and ensure usability.<br/><br/>Application: This study provides quantitative evidence supporting country-specific ergonomic adaptations in semiconductor equipment design, contributing to safer and more efficient workplaces in global manufacturing environments.