Adaptive assembly systems for enabling agile assembly – Empirical analysis focusing on cognitive worker assistance

Procedia CIRP, vol. 97, pp. 319–324

Abstract

Hybrid assembly systems combine the advantages of automated assembly solutions with the cognitive abilities of humans to make assembly more flexible while efficient. Adaptive systems in this context enlarge the scope in which the division of tasks between human and machine can be varied. These systems are an enabling factor for agile assembly since highly situation-aware technologies allow quick reaction in volatile assembly situations. This research focuses on the main opportunities and implementation obstacles of adaptive assembly systems in industrial practice. The results of an empirical study, focusing on cognitive worker assistance, with 132 participants from manufacturing companies, are presented in this paper. Main findings show that the introduction of adaptive worker assistance solutions requires extensive modifications of IT infrastructure. Besides an increase in flexibility, an enlarged potential for the improvement of worker training processes is expected.

Authors 4

1. Peter Burggräf Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   University of Siegen · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of International Production Engineering and Management, University of Siegen, Paul-Bonatz-Str. 9-11, 57076 Siegen, Germany

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, Campus-Boulevard 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany

2. Matthias Dannapfel Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, Campus-Boulevard 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Tobias Adlon corresponding Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, Campus-Boulevard 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Nils Föhlisch Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, Campus-Boulevard 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany