Assessing worker performance using dynamic cost functions in human robot collaborative tasks

The aim of this research is to develop a framework to allow efficient Human Robot, HR, collaboration on manufacturing assembly tasks based on cost functions that quantify capabilities and performance of each element in a system and enable their efficient evaluation. A proposed cost function format is developed along with initial development of two example cost function variables, completion time and fatigue, obtained as each worker is completing assembly tasks. The cost function format and example variables were tested with two example tasks utilizing an ABB YuMi Robot in addition to a simulated human worker under various levels of fatigue. The total costs produced clearly identified the best worker to complete each task with these costs also clearly indicating when a human worker is fatigued to a greater or lesser degree than expected

Automation strategies for sample preparation in life science applications

Automation is broadly applied in life science field, with robots playing critical roles. In this dissertation, a platform based on a Yaskawa industrial dual-arm robot (CSDA10F) is presented, which is to automate the sample preparation processes and to integrate analytical instruments. A user-friendly interface has been provided by integrating the platform with SAMI Workstation EX Software. For automating the sample preparation processes, the robot needs to use various commercial tools, including pipette, syringe, microplate, vial, thermo shaker, ultrasonic machine and so on