This is a study of a Human-Robot Collaboration HRC framework for the execution of collaborative tasks in hybrid assembly cells. Robots and humans coexist in the same cell and share tasks according to their capabilities. An intelligent decision-making method that allows human-robot task allocation is proposed and is integrated within a Robot Operating System ROS framework. The proposed method enables the allocation of sequential tasks assigned to a robot and a human in separate workspaces. The focus is rather given to the human–robot coexistence for the execution of sequential tasks, in order for the automation level in manual or even hybrid assembly lines to be increased. Body gestures are the means of a human’s interaction with a robot for commanding and guiding reasons. The proposed framework is implemented into a case coming from the manual assembly lines of an automotive industry. A preliminary design of a hybrid assembly cell is presented, focusing on the assembly of a hydraulic pump by robots and humans.

https://tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/0951192X.2016.1187297

On a human-robot collaboration in an assembly cell

In order to make the factory of the future vision a reality, various requirements need to be met. There is a need to continuously qualify the human worker about new and changing technology trends since the human is the most flexible entity in the production system. This demands introducing novel approaches for knowledge-delivery and skill transfer. This paper introduces the design, implementation and evaluation of an advanced virtual training system, which has been developed in the EU-FP7 project VISTRA. The domain of interest is automotive manufacturing since it is one of the leading industries in adopting future factory concepts and technologies such as cyber-physical systems and internet of things. First of all, the authors motivate the topic based on the state-of-the-art concerning training systems for manual assembly and relevant technologies. Then, the main challenges and research questions are presented followed by the design and implementation of the VISTRA project including its methodologies. Furthermore, the results of experimental and technical evaluation of the system are described and discussed. In the conclusion, the authors give an outlook at the implementation and evaluation of the example application in related industries.

Introduction and establishment of virtual training in the factory of the future

Humans are indispensable in the manufacturing industry as its complexity increases in an Industry 4.0 context, mainly due to changing customer demands. Managing the challenges of increased complexity can create a competitive advantage for SMEs. Technologies which enable the emerging phenomenon of Industry 4.0 have the possibility to simplify the sharing of information and knowledge among people at work, especially for Operator 4.0. However, few SMEs have actually implemented such technologies for this purpose. Therefore, this paper aims to create an understanding of the current state and challenges which need to be overcome, and further, to provide some insights on future possibilities by identifying the stages of Industry 4.0 development of SMEs with regards to their capabilities. This qualitative interview study focuses on how human-centered production processes are currently supporting assembly and office work. Two Swedish SMEs were studied, where almost all of their operators and management team on site were interviewed individually concerning their views on their current capabilities. The interviews were thematically analyzed with regards to the state-of-the-art research, and results show that the case companies are in some aspects digitized with regards to computerization and connectivity, but have some challenges in making the shared production-related information more visible and transparent, especially on shop-floors where most information and knowledge are shared through word of mouth or with pen and paper. Conclusively, the studied SMEs have started their digitalization journey, but further Industry 4.0 development needs to align with their respective conditions and needs. While Industry 4.0 enabling technologies that support information and knowledge sharing are emerging, organizational development can support the implementation of such technologies, which should be the focus for future research.

/pdf/current-and-future-industry-4-0-capabilities-for-information-1hkl4y3ilv.pdf

Current and future Industry 4.0 capabilities for information and knowledge sharing

Assembly operations are a key component of modern manufacturing systems. Designing, planning, and conducting assembly operations represent an important part of the cost of a product. Virtual realit...

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1687814016639824

Development of a virtual manufacturing assembly simulation system

Robotized Assembly Process Using Dual Arm Robot

https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/preview/743874/Understanding%20the%20complex%20needs%20of%20automotive%20training%20at%20final%20assembly%20lines.pdf

Understanding the complex needs of automotive training at final assembly lines

Current State of Standardized Work in Automotive Industry in Sweden

This article describes two studies conducted to compare assembly performance and learning rate between computer based training and traditional training of skilled assembly operators. The studies we ...

Instructor Based Training versus Computer Based Training—A Comparative Study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe challenges the manufacturing industry is currently facing when developing future assembly information systems. More specific, this paper focuses on the handling of assembly information from manufacturing engineering to the shop floor operators. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple case studies have been conducted within one case company between 2014 and 2017. To broaden the perspective, interviews with additionally 17 large and global manufacturing companies and 3 industry experts have been held. Semi-structured interviews have been the main data collection method alongside observations and web questionnaires. Findings – Six focus areas have been defined which address important challenges in the manufacturing industry. For manual assembly intense manufacturing company, challenges such as IT challenges, process challenges, assembly process disturbances, information availability, technology and process control, and assembly work instructions have been identified and hinder implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0). Originality/value – This longitudinal study provides a current state analysis of the challenges the manufacturing industry is facing when handling assembly information. Despite the vast amount of initiatives within I4.0 and digitalization, this paper argues that the manufacturing industry needs to address the six defined focus areas to become more flexible and prepared for the transition toward a digitalized manufacturing industry.

Challenges of handling assembly information in global manufacturing companies

https://research.chalmers.se/publication/508468/file/508468_Fulltext.pdf

Lennart Malmsköld

Papers

Understanding the complex needs of automotive training at final assembly lines

Current State of Standardized Work in Automotive Industry in Sweden

Instructor Based Training versus Computer Based Training—A Comparative Study

Challenges of handling assembly information in global manufacturing companies

Enhancing Future Assembly Information Systems – Putting Theory into Practice