Study of the impact of projection-based assistance systems for improving the learning curve in assembly processes

Abstract With the introduction of Industry 4.0 the use of worker assistance systems is getting more and more important. Assistance systems should support operators to increase efficiency and to reduce physical and mental stress and thus increase ergonomics of the work. In this paper, we investigate the impact of a projection-based worker assistance system conducting lab experiments simulating a ramp-up situation of a new product in assembly. The specific aim is the investigation of the impact of such systems in assembly for improving the learning curve, when products are changing. The study shows the results of a comparison between the assembly process with traditional worker instructions and the use of cognitive assistance systems to project instructions on the workplace

A Conceptual Digital Assistance System Supporting Manual Changeovers in High-Variety Production

Part 7: Industry 4.0 – Collaborative Cyber-physical Production and Human SystemsInternational audienceThe advent of production strategies such as Mass Customization and Changeable Manufacturing requires that production systems be increasingly flexible towards diverse customer needs. Although humans remain the most flexible entity in modern production systems, the increasing complexity of these systems presents a challenge for the operators with regards to remaining efficient. Research related to Industry 4.0 has promoted the application of digital assistance systems, as a method of augmenting human operators to handle the complexity of these production systems better. However, no digital assistance system that supports human operators in performing manual changeover operations in complex production systems has been identified. This paper, therefore, presents a conceptual digital assistance system, which utilizes information about two consecutive production configurations, and processes this data through an algorithm, to determine which specific changeover operations are required to perform a changeover most efficiently. Potentials of implementing the proposed digital assistance system are briefly introduced, and topics for further research are outlined