Multi-objective task allocation for collaborative robot systems with an Industry 5.0 human-centered perspective

The migration from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 is becoming more relevant nowadays, with a consequent increase in interest in the operators' wellness in their working environment. In modern industry, there are different activities that require the flexibility of human operators in performing different tasks, while some others can be performed by collaborative robots (cobots), which promote a fair division of the tasks among the resources in industrial applications. Initially, these robots were used to increase productivity, in particular in assembly systems; currently, new goals have been introduced, such as reducing operator's fatigue, so that he/she can be more effective in the tasks that require his/her flexibility. For this purpose, a model that aims to realize a multi-objective optimization for task allocation is here proposed. It includes makespan minimization, but also the operator's energy expenditure and average mental workload reduction. The first objective is to reach the required high productivity standards, while the latter is to realize a human-centered workplace, as required by the Industry 5.0 paradigms. A method for average mental workload evaluation in the entire assembly process and a new constraint, related to resources' idleness, are here suggested, together with the evaluation of the methodology in a real case study. The results show that it is possible to combine all these elements finding a procedure to define the optimal task allocation that improves the performance of the systems, both for efficiency and for workers' well-being

Routing strategy in a distribution network when the driver learning effect is considered

This paper faces one critical short term decision: the construction of routes for daily goods\u2019 deliveries in a distribution network. It investigates the possibility of applying a fixed routing strategy instead of a daily routing optimisation strategy, analysing the benefits derived from the driver\u2019s familiarity with his/her surroundings, customers\u2019 habits and set-ups. The final aim is to provide an effective and flexible decision-making tool to identify the best routing strategy, considering the level of learning invested by each driver. It is assumed that learning effect impacts on the service time, i.e., on the time spent in service operations once arrived at the customer\u2019s site. Results demonstrate that fixed routes strategy can often be better than the daily optimised strategy and strongly depends on the parameters investigated in this work. Two case applications are provided to help the reader\u2019s comprehension and demonstrate the methodology\u2019s potential and its practical implications

techno economic design of wind farms a methodology and multi scenario application

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Corrigendum: Corrigendum to 'Learning manual assembly through real-time motion capture for operator training with augmented reality"

Abstract The authors regret that The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused

toward a real time reconfiguration of self adaptive smart assembly systems

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real time assistance to manual assembly through depth camera and visual feedback

Abstract The current fourth industrial revolution significantly impacts on production processes. The personalized production paradigm enables customers to order unique products. The operators assemble an enormous component variety adapting their process from product to product with limited learning opportunities. Digital technologies are increasingly adopted in production processes to improve performance and quality. Considering this framework, this research proposes a hardware/software architecture to assist in real-time operators involved in manual assembly processes. A depth camera captures human motions in relation with the workstation environment whereas a visual feedback guides the operator through consecutive assembly tasks. An industrial case study validates the architecture

towards optimum energy utilization by using the inverters for industrial production

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Re-balancing problem for assembly lines: new mathematical model and exact solution method

The purpose of this study is to develop a new mathematical model and an exact solution method for an assembly line rebalancing problem. When an existing assembly line has to be adapted to a new production context, the line balancing, resources allocation and component management solutions have to be revised. The objective is to minimize the number of modifications to be done in the initial line in order to reduce the time and investment needed to meet new production requirements. The proposed model is evaluated via a computational experiment. The obtained results the efficacy of the proposed method

Impactos e técnicas de recuperação de áreas degradadas por derramamentos de petróleo - estudo de caso no sul do Brasil

Oil spills can threaten the environmental quality of coastal ecosystems. The environmental impact of accidents of this type is significant and it is important to understand them in order to assess the magnitude of such accidents. In this way, the present work aimed to discuss some of the main environmental impacts that can be caused by accidents of oil spill in marine and terrestrial environments, besides presenting a review of cleaning processes for the recovery of these degraded areas. In addition, this study aimed to elaborate a Program for the Recovery of Degraded Areas (PRAD) aiming a work plan for a case study: oil leakage in the coastal region of the municipality of Tramandaí (RS). Thus, a description of the study area was carried out aiming the correct elaboration of a work plan for the recovery of the area. The plan was based on preliminary assessment, containment and removal of oil in the aquatic environment, cleaning of the coastal environment, waste management, destination of the recovered area, along with schedule and budgets. The information presented in this paper serves as a support for the elaboration of recovery programs for areas degraded by oil accidents.Derramamentos de óleo podem ameaçar a qualidade ambiental dos ecossistemas costeiros. O impactoambiental de acidentes desse tipo é significativo e é importante entendê-los para avaliar a magnitudedesses acidentes. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo discutir alguns dos principaisimpactos ambientais que podem ser causados por acidentes de derramamento de óleo em ambientesmarinho e terrestre, além de apresentar uma revisão dos processos de limpeza para a recuperaçãodessas áreas degradadas. Além disso, este estudo teve como objetivo elaborar um Programa deRecuperação de Áreas Degradadas (PRAD), visando um plano de trabalho para um estudo de caso:vazamento de óleo na região costeira do município de Tramandaí (RS). Assim, foi realizada umadescrição da área de estudo visando a correta elaboração de um plano de trabalho para a recuperação da área. O plano baseou-se na avaliação preliminar, contenção e remoção de óleo no ambienteaquático, limpeza do ambiente costeiro, gerenciamento de resíduos, destino da área recuperada,juntamente com cronograma e orçamentos. As informações apresentadas neste artigo servem deapoio à elaboração de programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas por acidentes com petróleo

Abordagem dos Aspectos da Saúde no Licenciamento Ambiental no Setor Mineiro Brasileiro

The mining activity generates several negative and positive impacts. Among the negatives impacts, it is find the reduced air quality, noise generation and increased population flow, which directly affect the health quality of the local population and the enterprise workers. Thus, the aim of this work was to perform an analysis of documents as Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and Terms of Reference (TR) regarding the approach of health aspects in mining activities licensed by the Brazilian federal environmental agency, proposing a methodology for its evaluation. The methodology consisted of a qualitative and quantitative analysis of health aspects according to the matrix already used in another study. It was proposed to insert weights for attributes analysis culminating in a scale of approach to health aspects: low, medium and high. Thus, limitations were found regarding the availability of studies and TRs in the environmental agency system. Regarding the EIS, most aspects of health had a medium approach, the diagnostic stage was highlighted as the most complete and the monitoring and accompaniment stage were detected as presenting the lowest approach. The greatest weaknesses was the identification of specialists responsible for the health approach, the lack of estimates of investments in the sector.A atividade de mineração gera vários impactos ambientais negativos e positivos. Entre os impactosnegativos, encontra-se a redução da qualidade do ar, geração de ruído e aumento do fluxopopulacional, que afetam diretamente a qualidade da saúde da população local e dos trabalhadores daempresa. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise de documentos como Estudo deImpacto Ambiental (EIS) e Termos de Referência (TR) sobre a abordagem de aspectos de saúde ematividades de mineração licenciadas pelo órgão ambiental federal brasileiro, propondo umametodologia para sua avaliação. A metodologia consistiu em uma análise qualitativa e quantitativa dos aspectos de saúde de acordo com a matriz já utilizada em outro estudo. Foi proposto inserir pesospara a análise de atributos, culminando em uma escala de abordagem aos aspectos de saúde: baixo,médio e alto. Assim, foram encontradas limitações quanto à disponibilidade de estudos e TRs nosistema de agência ambiental. Em relação ao EIA, a maioria dos aspectos da saúde teve umaabordagem média, a etapa diagnóstica foi destacada como a mais completa e a etapa demonitoramento e acompanhamento foi detectada como apresentando a abordagem mais baixa. Asmaiores fragilidades foram a identificação de especialistas responsáveis pela abordagem em saúde, afalta de estimativas de investimentos no setor