1,720,982 research outputs found
Predicting and preventing mistakes in human-robot collaborative assembly
Full text linkThe human-robot collaboration (HRC) in industrial assembly cells leads to great benefits by combining the flexibility of human worker with the accuracy and strength of robot. On the other hand, collaborative works between such different operators can generate risks and faults unknown in current industrial processes, either manual or automatic. To fully exploit the new collaborative paradigm, it is therefore essential to identify these risks before the collaborative robots are introduced in industry and start working together with humans. In the present study the authors analyze a benchmark set of general assembly tasks performed by HRC in a laboratory environment. The analyses are executed with the use of an adapted Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to identify potential mistakes which can be made by human operator and robot. The outcomes are employed to define proper mistake proofing methods to be applied in the HRC assembly work cell
Classification and efficiency estimation of mistake proofing solutions by Fuzzy Inference
No full textMultiple System Dynamics and Discrete Event Simulation for manufacturing system performance evaluation
No full textEmploying disabled workers in production: simulating the impact on performance and service level
Full text linkDisabled people can be successfully employed in most production processes, provided that one knows how to exploit their abilities and take into account their limitations in order to give them an appropriate job. However, because the level and type of production must be constantly adapted to the needs of the market, the involvement of disabled people in the production process may also change. Additionally, people with disabilities have limitations as well as additional rights that must be considered. As a result, the organisation and planning of their work, side by side with other employees, becomes more complex. Computer simulations can be a support for organising and planning the involvement of employees with disabilities in production processes. The aim of the article is to show how simulations can facilitate the organisation of work of employees with disabilities, with the changing demand for manufactured products. The paper identifies the factors that should be considered, and then presents how the employment of disabled people can affect the operation of the production line and the commercial image of the company. The study uses a combination of System Dynamics and Discrete Event Simulations. The relevant data for the simulation were derived from a production company
Evaluating the effect of learning rate, batch size and assignment strategies on the production performance
No full textTask assignment methods usually rely on the fixed mean processing times of operations with the intent of balancing the workload assigned to operators or workstations in the production line. This assignment usually neglects the variability of operator processing times. In this work, a methodology in which the time in which an operator executes a task is variable, accordingly to a learning model, is proposed. It is exploited in order to assess the real-time task assignment adopted in the actual factory. The results show that, by including a learning model, it is possible to predict more accurately the long-term cycle time of the process. Standard scheduling strategies (first operator available, the operator closest to the machine) were compared with learning-oriented strategies (the most skilled, the least skilled). Through the case study, the paper addresses the problem of using a dynamic task assignment.an illustration
Human factor in industry of the future - Knowledge acquisition and motivation
Full text linkIndustry of the future bases on people knowledge, creativeness and motivations. Although, the number of workers needed in factories of the future decreases, the requiremenets concerning employees skills have been increasing. The knowledge of employees determines the factory system quality and efficiency. The motivation of people determines continuous improvement and development realized by problems identification and elimination. Hence, adequate learning methods are required to be implemented to achieve the following goals: empower and motivate people. This paper presents chosen methods such as learning by doing, computer simulations and virtual reality which support knowledge acquisition by people being prepared for work in factories of the future. The presented methods also increase employee awareness concerning possibilities of improvements
Implementation of Inclusive Work Instructions in Manufacturing Processes
No full textThis paper presents a novel approach to the execution of manufacturing processes, based on an inclusive strategy for developing work instructions tailored to the diverse needs of employees. The conventional approach to instructions frequently proves inadequate in accommodating the various modes of information processing, resulting in diminished efficiency and an elevated incidence of errors in production. The study examines the implementation of multimodal instructions that all together integrate visual, textual, auditory, and kinaesthetic elements, as well as the modes of presenting task sequences for execution. We argue that this approach not only helps neurodiverse employees in understanding and applying the instructions, but also benefits all workers by improving overall comprehension of the process, reducing execution time, and cutting the number of mistakes and non-conformities. Empirical data from studies conducted in a simulated manufacturing environment substantiate the efficacy of this approach in optimizing the production process and fostering a more efficient and inclusive work environment
Objective and Subjective Factors Affecting Neurodiverse Inclusion in Manufacturing
No full textThe workplace inclusion of individuals with cognitive disabilities, or neurodiversity, is a multifaceted and intricate phenomenon that necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the factors that either facilitate or hinder it. Tools that can aid in achieving this understanding are the fuzzy cognitive maps, graphical representations of the mental models that individuals or groups possess regarding a particular topic. This paper employs cognitive maps to examine perceived barriers to inclusion among various stakeholders in enterprises, including managers, employees, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we analyze survey results from employees in enterprises of varying sizes and sectors to evaluate attitudes towards disabled individuals and the level of inclusion they experience. The comparison of the cognitive maps with the survey revealed several biases affecting the attitude of normal workers towards neurodiverse individuals. Analysis of these anomalies enabled the authors to propose recommendations for improving inclusion practices and policies in enterprises
A Concept of an SME Focused Edge Computing Self-managing Cyber-physical System
Full text linkThe dynamically changing environment forces companies to introduce changes in production processes and the need for employees to adapt quickly to new tasks. Therefore, it is expected to implement solutions to support employees. The system that will manage the work on a manufacturing line should work in real time to support the ongoing activities and, to be implemented in SMEs, must not be expensive. The authors identified important system components and expected functionalities. The methodology of the work is based on human-centered design. A concept of a cyber-physical system is proposed. The aim of the proposed edge computing-based system is to manage the work on the manufacturing line in which certain elements communicate with each other to achieve common goals. The paper presents what the system can consist of, how information and knowledge are managed in the system, and what can be the benefits for enterprises from its implementation
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