Minnesota State University, Mankato
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Comparative Study of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Tail Gate
Get PDFOur study rigorously compared the efficacy of Methods-Time Measurement (MTM 1) and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) against actual production times to identify the most accurate and efficient time management frameworks for manufacturing processes. We aimed to discern which method better predicts job completion times in a real-world setting, using a case study that included both manual and robotic welding in the assembly of a truck body part, the tipper tailgate. We discovered notable discrepancies between the predetermined time systems and actual observations, particularly in manual welding tasks. These differences highlighted the complexity of manual tasks, which involve intricate movements not fully accounted for by the predetermined systems. MOST emerged as more effective than MTM 1 in providing a detailed understanding of task execution times, especially in tasks that involve complex positioning. The study also delved into the comparison between the performance of skilled human welders and automated robotic systems. Our findings revealed that while robots can significantly enhance efficiency for simpler, repetitive tasks, the complex assembly work still requires the dexterity and expertise of skilled human welders. Surprisingly, in certain cases, human welders outperformed robots, underscoring the unique strengths and weaknesses of both. The analysis further demonstrated that robotic welding offers superior time efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to manual welding, particularly as production volume increases. This efficiency translates into significant cost savings and increased production rates, making the case for integrating robotic technology into manufacturing processes compelling. Crucially, the coexistence of skilled welders with collaborative robots (cobots) brings immense benefits, merging human expertise with robotic precision and efficiency. This synergy not only optimizes production quality and speed but also mitigates the impact of skilled labor shortages. By embracing a hybrid approach to welding, manufacturers can achieve a balance between the adaptability and problem-solving skills of human welders and the consistency and productivity of robotic systems, leading to enhanced operational excellence and competitive advantage in the manufacturing sector
Working Definitions for Equity
Get PDFThe underpinnings of what it means for higher education to support diversity, equity and inclusion is often problematized by different interpretations of key terms necessary to work systematically. Inspired by efforts in both the office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Academic Affairs, we will use the following working definitions in its efforts to increase awareness, understanding and collective action as we work toward our vision and mission
Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth Among Service Members and Veterans Through a Book Study Group Intervention
Get PDFPosttraumatic growth (PTG) is defined as “positive psychological changes experienced as a result of the struggle with traumatic or highly challenging life experiences” (Tedeschi et al., 2018, p. 3). Trauma affects 60% to 80% of the population (Boals, 2018). This is especially true for service members and veterans (SM/V) due to the inherent danger that comes with the job. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its many comorbidities can plague the SM/V population. Treatment options are well-established but not always effective. Bibliotherapy can present a non-threatening way to introduce alternative perspectives, such as PTG, to navigating trauma. The aim of this study was to determine if implementing a book discussion group could prove to be an effective way to introduce and facilitate the concept of PTG to the target audience of service members and veterans. Though this pilot study was too small to offer definitive implications (n = 7), PTG was demonstrated by the results of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory - Expanded (PTGI-X) that revealed a statistically significant difference in the growth achieved between the pre-test and post-test (t[6] = -4.06, p = 0.01, d = -1.53), as well as a large effect size of the intervention. Evidence of PTG was supported by the large effect size and statistically significant reduction of PTSD symptoms shown in the results between the pre-test and post-test of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) (t[6] = 3.62, p = 0.01, d = 1.37). While the reduction of trauma-related guilt was not supported by this study, the desire to help others was partially supported by the moderate effect size noted in the analysis of the results of the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS; Guay et al., 2000)
Comparative Study of Robotic and Manual Welding in A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study of JR TEST 2
Get PDFA comparative study of robotic and manual welding in a low volume high mix manufacturing environment focusing on a truck body part named the JR Test 2 to see if there is a benefit of incorporating robotic welding into the production line. By utilizing predetermined time studies such as Methods Time Measurement 1(MTM-1) and Maynard’s Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) in conjunction with actual welding time and motion study to see which method of time study can be used to extrapolate the times of production for higher number of parts. MTM-1 and MOST were used for a detailed time and motion analysis which were then used to evaluate the efficiency and cost implications and feasibility of incorporating a co-bot welder to execute the tasks of an experienced human welder. Necessity to do the cost analysis and comparison of the co-bot is understanding of the additional cost related to robotic welding such as the fixture costs which include the design cost and fabrication cost, the programming costs, and the common welding costs. The MTM-1, MOST and normal time study was performed, and it was found that MTM-1 is closer to MOST in the case of Manual welding, and MOST is just shy of 10 seconds to the actual time in case of Robotic welding. With the average welding process times used for the cost analysis, for the same cost and same working time per day robotic welding is 30% more cost efficient
Holistic Assessment of Counseling Self-Efficacy Development among Counselors in Training from a Regression Model
Get PDFSupervision is an essential component in counselor education and training. Supervision helps Counselors-in-Training (CITs) evolve to fully functional counseling professionals. CITs start to receive supervision in practicum and internship. Throughout this experience, both clinical mental health and school counseling students work as a professional counselor with real clients, and their clinical practice will be supervised by a supervisor. After graduation, the graduates of clinical mental health counseling will receive years of post-graduate supervision, as required by state licensing boards, in order to obtain licensure. While the importance of supervision is irreplaceable in counseling, the factors that contribute to successful supervision outcomes, such as CIT self-efficacy is a prominent topic in the research of clinical supervision. Supervisor competency plays a vital role in the supervision relationship, which is associated closely with the success of supervision and the development of CITs’ counseling self-efficacy. Self-efficacy comes from Bandura’s social learning theory and has become an important measure for learning or counseling outcomes. CITs’ training progress in supervision can be assessed through their counseling self-efficacy. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the relationship between supervisor competency and the counseling self-efficacy of CITs. An instrument, Psychotherapy Supervision Development Survey-Supervisee (PSDS-S), was revised to collect CITs’ perceived supervisor competency and measure how much this perception contributes to their development of counseling self-efficacy. The outcomes revealed that the direct client contact hours and perceived supervisor competency contributed to 21.2% of the variance in counseling self-efficacy. The results indicate that CITs’ counseling self-efficacy can be influenced by their perceived supervisor competency of their clinical supervisor. Counselor educators are informed by the results of the study, and it is critical for counselor educators to re-consider strategies of collaborating with competent site supervisors to ensure ideal development of CITs’ counseling self-efficacy
Oral history interview with Katie Manwiller
Get PDFOral history with disabled librarian Katie Manwiller, who talks about working as an academic librarian and what led her to disability advocacy