1,721,015 research outputs found
Human factor and entropy evaluation in collaborative workplace environment
No full textThe integration of advanced technologies, that the Industry 4.0 framework introduced, in the workplace environment requires the human workforce to adapt to the workplace changes. A rising concern is the role of older workers and how smoothly can they integrate in workplace environments with automation and cobotics. To this extent, we introduce a statistical model based on entropy and human factor sustainability concept. The aim of the proposed model is to calculate the level of uncertainty inside a collaborative workplace by computing the probability of error of human workforce. The probability is calculated by utilising the parameters and variables that governs the interactions between human operators and robotics – cyber systems. This computational model was tested in a complex workplace framework by usage of advanced ICT technologies and tasks of increased complexity. Results show that the age factor plays a role in the uncertainty inside the workplace
A Methodological Framework to Assess Mental Fatigue in Assembly Lines with a Collaborative Robot
No full textIn the current manufacturing assembly lines, collaboration between human and robot plays a significant role in the final output of the assembly, be it performance, quality or overall reliability. In that regard, smooth collaboration between human and robot is required to minimize the probabilities of human-system error, potential loss of performance and quality, and minimize the risk of decision making mistakes. Mental fatigue, and more importantly the cognitive load, of human operators is a crucial aspect in decision making, potential of error during the task and the overall flow of the assembly process. This paper reports about the development of a methodological framework to assess mental fatigue during a collaborative assembly task. In this framework, general complexity of the process and assembly task is investigated, as knowledge of the dynamic and static complexity can be helpful in reducing mental fatigue and cognitive load. We validated the applicability of the proposed frame in a real based collaborative assembly process
Model of Eukaryotic Cell Protein Control Schemes via Manufacturing System Simulator
No full textThe folding and transport of proteins in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) of mammalian cells exhibit similarities to industrial manufacturing processes, in that they are complex systems regulated by control mechanisms. Recently, two such control systems have been identified: the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and AutoRegulation of ER eXport (AREX), which allow the ER to adapt to fluctuations and stress. However, the challenges of modeling their activities arise from the lack of data and the complexity of the signaling pathways that activate them. In this study, we utilize a simulation tool commonly employed in manufacturing plants to develop a model that replicates the protein production process in the ER and the actions of the UPR and AREX in mitigating stress conditions. Our simulations provide insights into the behavior of the cell and represent the first attempt to integrate the entire protein production process and the control activity in the ER. The simulation results demonstrate the potential of regarding the ER as a manufacturing process and provide a novel approach to understanding the complex regulation of the ER
A scoping review of human robot interaction research towards Industry 5.0 human-centric workplaces
No full textInteraction between humans and robots in the workplace garners interest in recent years due to the introduction of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 frameworks. A scoping review was performed aimed at investigating the effect of robot design features on their human counterparts. In the analysis of the 32 identified articles, the robot design features used in the literature are shown along with the effects on the operators. Results showcased the many to many relationships between robot design features and effects on operators. Robot appearance, for example, and capabilities play a role in the operators' perception and expectations of their capabilities based on the task and subsequently perceived reliability and safety. Communication capabilities between operators and robots is an integral part for teamwork and performance as it can affect work processes. The paucity of papers empirically addressing human robot interaction as a system is consistent with results from previous literature, indicating the need for more research. The results of this investigation can prove useful in the form of advice to designers and practitioners, such as the operator's involvement in implementation, knowledge on robots' capabilities and training. Research gaps identified are discussed, as well as future research directions
Mapping Uncertainty Sources Affecting Circularity: A Holonic Approach
No full textPursuing sustain ability, the traditional 'take- make-use-dispose' economy model is moving towards a circular approach by introducing the reverse flow for recovery of End- of-Life (EOL) or End-of-Use (EOU) products. This circularity of parts and information between industry and market has generated the Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC). Circularity enhances reuse/recycle of parts and materials and products. However, it increases complexity in the supply as it inputs uncertainty sources regarding the returning and outgoing state of products, the required recovery processes, the expected consumer behavior and the unstable market trends. In this paper, an investigation of the uncertainties affecting CLSC and remanufacturing was selected. Authors aim at mapping, and reporting in connectivity, the sources of uncertainty affecting remanufacturing systems in order to identify the connections and causality relations between them. A holonic representation of the CLSC was elaborated for potential interdependencies assessment. Thus, a map of the uncertainties is then designed in the form of a labyrinth connecting the uncertainty drivers with the corresponding entities/holons: markEt, Consumer, Management, pRoduct and Process. The map is configured as a decision-support tool for application in remanufacturing context. The map allows to control the mutual effects between uncertainty sources in remanufacturing business environments
A new perspective for production process analysis using additive manufacturing - complexity vs production volume
Full text linkSince the early days of industrial manufacturing, decisions like the analysis of economic or financial break even and the determination of optimal production level and similar problems were taken using the number of parts as the main decision driver. While in the last years the manufacturing community was simply observing the evolutions of the additive manufacturing (AM) technology, nowadays it is changing its perspective to be a player of this revolution. Since AM has become feasible and applicable to the industrial manufacturing, as reported in Fera et al. (Cogent Eng 3(1):1261503, 2016) and Costabile et al. (Int J Ind Eng Comput 8(2):263â282, 2017), the industrial world is now calling for innovative methods for the integration of this new technology operations management in traditional production systems. The aim of this paper is to present a novel approach to classify and analyze the production of specific products using AM or subtractive manufacturing (SM), using complexity as a decision driver and not the number of products to manufacture. The effectiveness of the method is tested on a data set built for this scope
The CACTUS approach: Organizational approach for sustainability
No full textSmart Manufacturing acts on production systems performances while applying data identification, relevance selection, hierarchy categorization in a technology-driven approach. It makes use of computer integrated systems and information technology and sensors to enable plants while-in an Industry 5.0 perspective-promoting sustainable and human-centric workplace. In this work, we present a conceptual approach (named “Cactus”) that utilizes smart manufacturing and industry 5.0 logic on unconventional plants. The Cactus approach aims at developing a safe, sustainable and adaptable workplace for both small, medium and large factory units in the fast-paced market. Like the cactus adapts itself to live in the driest areas of the world accumulating and reducing the water consumption, and uses its spines to defend against herbivores, the smart Cactus approach reduces the utilization of resources achieving sustainability and minimizing the negative impact on environment through disassembly of EoL products, remanufacturing and recycling while, at the same time, protecting operators from accident and injury. This approach requires collaboration between human and robot to make the production environment safe and effective, integrating human flexibility and robot precision and repeatability. The adaptability and resilience are achieved by utilizing sensors, interoperability and collaboration for flexible and rapid changes in the workplace, following the needs, and changing requirements of the market. The communication is important as it connects the operations management with direct and reverse logistics and with customers. The transparency at the workplace plays significant role for the plant, the human operators, managements and customers, as all the agent involved understand the management vision, operation rules and the fluctuations in supply chains, empowering also the digital skills of the operators. The usability of systems is improved by utilizing sensors and artificial intelligence to increase reliability with forecasting and continuous optimization of both technical and social parts of the workplace environment
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